'Embarrassing' Antony slammed for goading Coventry players following FA Cup semi-final penalty victory with Brazilian warned he 'could be playing in the Championship next season'

United scraped into the FA Cup final on penalties despite spurning a three-goal lead against the Championship side on Sunday. With the game at 3-3 after extra-time, the Red Devils won the shootout 4-2 as Rasmus Hojlund netted the decisive effort. At the full-time whistle, substitute Antony was seen cupping his ears to the opposition in an act that has been widely condemned by pundits and fans.

Former Northern Irish international Conor McLaughlin tweeted: "Antony cupping his ears to the Coventry players. Embarrassing."

Ex-Republic of Ireland striker Clinton Morrison said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "He [Antony] needs to concentrate on himself because he could be playing in the Championship next season."

Abdulmalik posted: "This should be Antony's final season as a United player," and Brad Cox added: "Antony cupping his ears to Coventry players sums the mentality of this group up. Embarrassing behaviour."

Finally, Gary Hunt put: "Some of those players have absolutely no class mate. [Bruno] Fernandes having words with the keeper after beating him with a penalty. I can’t imagine it was words of commiseration."

United set up a second-straight FA Cup final with Manchester City but did so in very unconvincing fashion. This result will do nothing to ease the pressure on under-fire manager Erik ten Hag and for Antony, an £86 million ($109m) signing with two goals and two assists this season, his stock is not exactly going up.

Ten Hag's United side host bottom of the table Sheffield United on Wednesday in the Premier League whereas play-off chasing Coventry take on Hull City in the Championship on the same date.