Man United legend says Antony was “out of order” for celebrations vs Coventry City

Manchester United legend Lee Sharpe has told Antony he was “out of order” for his celebrations following the Red Devils’ penalty victory over Coventry City.

Just last week Antony had told MUTV that he was delighted with his recent form, encouraging fans of the Red Devils that they could expect even more from him.

Then, in his next game after that interview, United’s 81-million-pound man failed to impress off the bench in the club’s FA Cup semi-final match against Coventry.

Introduced with United leading 3-0, Antony would visibly struggle throughout his 54 minutes on the pitch, with United capitulating in the time he was on the field.

Forced into penalties after conceding three goals, United would secure their place in the FA Cup final after Rasmus Hojlund slotted the winning strike past Coventry keeper Bradley Collins.

Following the winning penalty, Antony, who did not take a penalty himself was pictured celebrating in an obnoxious manner.

Running directly in front of the Coventry players who had just taken his side all the way, Antony cupped his hands to his ears, whilst former club captain Harry Maguire instead shook the hand of each member of the opposition team.

It was this celebration that drew the ire of both fans and ex-players, with United legend Lee Sharpe branding Antony’s actions as “out of order.”

“I think Antony may be a little bit too young and a little bit too naive as to how to behave after dodging a bullet,” Sharpe told talkSPORT. “It’s not like he came on, he set the world alight when he did come on. 

“I think Harry Maguire was humble enough to understand what had gone on and they had dropped a little bit. The goal at the end, I thought, summed up it. 

“I think they were so lucky to get it [given as] offside. So, yeah, to be goading the Coventry players after what had happened, I think is a little bit out of order.”

The offside referred to by Sharpe came in the 120th minute when Coventry had a game-winning goal ruled as offside by the narrowest of margins.