'Natural defence of my club!' - Antony refuses to apologise for controversial FA Cup celebrations as Man Utd winger insists he was reacting to 'not nice' actions of Coventry player

The forward has broken his silence on his celebrations after United escaped embarrassment in their FA Cup semi-final against Championship side Coventry at Wembley on Sunday and booked a place in the final of the competition following a 3-3 draw. The Brazilian was spotted cupping his ear at the Coventry players after United had won the shootout and has now attempted to explain his gesture.

He wrote in a post on X: "Coventry proved why they reached the semi-final. We seeked this spot in the final for our fans and we achieved. The way our fans were treated by their player was not nice and I, in the heat of the moment, i've reacted to the provocations in a natural defense of my club!"

Fans were quick to label Antony as "embarrassing" for his behaviour against lower-league opposition, particularly after Manchester United had come within a whisker of being humiliated after throwing away a 3-0 lead. Premier League bad boy Neal Maupay has also taken aim at Antony by brutally mocking the Brazilian's antics. However, Antony has been defended by manager Erik ten Hag who has claimed the winger reacted after being provoked.

Antony has only managed two goals all season for Manchester United. Both came in the FA Cup against Newport and Liverpool.

Antony and United return to Premier League action on Wednesday against Sheffield United at Old Trafford. The Brazilian is in line to start the match with Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay both doubtful.