Neal Maupay has poked fun at Manchester United winger Antony for taunting Coventry City’s players in the aftermath of Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final win, saying: “Not even I would do this”.
United surrendered a 3-0 lead against second-tier opponents at Wembley Stadium and almost lost an incredible tie 4-3 in the dying moments of extra time, only for Victor Torp’s potential winner to be disallowed for offside following a VAR review.
The Red Devils then triumphed 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out, during which Antony – who came on a second-half substitute with United 3-0 up – did not step up to the spot.
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While most United players celebrated in a muted fashion following their almighty scare, Antony turned around to the Coventry players and cupped his ears after Rasmus Hojlund scored the winning penalty.
Antony’s celebrations – and United’s overall performance – have attracted widespread criticism, with club legend Roy Keane saying the Red Devils’ current team is “hard to like”.
Antony yesterday…. Embarrasing!
“That don’t happen here man” pic.twitter.com/Rf2qQ6AJHj
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) April 22, 2024
Brentford striker Maupay waded into the debate on Tuesday, as someone with plenty of form for getting under the skin of opposition players.
Maupay memorably copied James Maddison’s goal celebration after scoring against Tottenham in January, while he was also involved in a heated altercation with Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez earlier this season.
However, he says he would not have gone as far as Antony did.
Just for the record, not even I would do this 😭 https://t.co/UIPTp3pXVf
— Neal Maupay (@nealmaupay_) April 23, 2024
Replying to a video of the Brazilian’s celebrations on X, formerly known as Twitter, Maupay wrote: “Just for the record, not even I would do this”, with a laughing emoji accompanying his message.
Antony has come in for criticism amid a difficult second campaign at Old Trafford, failing to score a single goal and only supplying one assist in 25 Premier League appearances in 2023-24.
