'I don't want to' - Paul Merson wades into Antony row with honest Man United verdict

Paul Merson has shown sympathy towards Antony after the Manchester United winger's controversial celebration against Coventry City.

Antony taunted Coventry's players just moments after Rasmus Hojlund's spot-kick sealed a dramatic FA Cup semi-final penalty shootout win for United on Sunday. Erik ten Hag's team had been 3-0 up with 19 minutes remaining before the Sky Blues fought back to take the match to penalties, with Antony's reaction widely criticised after he cupped his ear towards their Championship opponents.

Antony has since clarified the meaning behind his celebration, claiming in a social media post on Tuesday that he was "defending his club" after the way United fans were treated by a Coventry player. Ten Hag also claimed that Antony had been provoked.

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And Sky Sports pundit Merson shared his view on the situation, praising the reaction from Harry Maguire who shook the hands of Coventry's players - whilst also defending Antony. The former Arsenal playmaker shared his belief that the Brazilian's emotions are likely to have played a role after reaching a major final.

"My boys showed me the contrasting reactions from Harry Maguire and Antony after Rasmus Hojlund scored the winning penalty. One was classy and the other one wasn’t, but I don’t want to have a go at Antony," he told Sportskeeda.

"Maybe as a young kid in Brazil, he’d have grown up dreaming of playing a big cup final in Wembley, so his emotions probably got the better of him."

Merson has also offered his prediction for United's next game, at home to Sheffield United on Wednesday night. Despite