I hope Manchester United lose the FA Cup final 5-0 after what I've just seen

Former Netherlands international Wesley Sneijder has said he hopes Manchester United lose next month's FA Cup final 5-0 after Antony's post-match behaviour against Coventry City in Sunday's semi-final at Wembley.

Antony, who had started the afternoon on the substitutes bench, cupped his ears as turned around to face the Coventry players following Rasmus Hojlund's winning penalty in the shootout. United prevailed 4-2 on spot-kicks after the contest had finished 3-3 after 120 minutes.

United were on course to book a second successive appearance in the FA Cup final without too much fuss, finding themselves in a 3-0 lead with just 20 minutes left on the clock. However, goals from Ellis Simms, Callum O'Hare and Haji Wright forced the contest to extra-time.

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Despite getting over the line in the end, United's capitulation has faced heavy criticism, resulting in more questions being asked of manager Erik ten Hag. A lot of the post-match conversation was also dominated by Antony's decision to goad the Coventry players.

Former Real Madrid and Inter Milan ace Sneijder has now waded in on the debate, blasting the Brazilian for his decision to cup his ears, so much so that he hopes Manchester City make light work of them in the final.

Sneijder told Dutch outlet Ziggo Sport: "Antony should be absolutely embarrassed for what he did. He should have walked straight off the pitch instead of doing that.

"I hope Manchester United lose 5-0 in the final."

On Tuesday, Ten Hag, speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the visit of Sheffield United, defended the former Ajax winger, insisting his actions were in retaliation to being provoked by Coventry's players.

"Did you see the reaction of Harry Maguire?" Ten Hag demanded. "He (Antony) was provocated, that's why this was a reaction of that, you haven't seen the provocation only the reaction. But he should not do it.

"I have seen Harry Maguire straight after and others. We should acknowledge the performance of Coventry coming to that final and then to come back."

A few hours later, Antony took to social media to support his manager's statement, saying: "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 defence of my club!"