Antony has been heavily criticised (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Netherlands legend Wesley Sneijder says Antony should be ’embarrassed’ for goading Coventry players and admits he hopes Manchester City win 5-0 in the FA Cup final.
Antony has been heavily criticised after cupping his ears to the Coventry players after United won Sunday’s penalty shootout.
Their victory came after the Red Devils threw away a 3-0 lead and Coventry saw an extra time winner disallowed following a VAR review.
Antony came off the bench at Wembley but the £85million man failed to impact the game, and did not step forward for one of United’s five penalties.
The Brazilian has scored just two goals this season and provided just one assist across 34 appearances.
Antony earns around £200,000-a-week, which is more than the entire Coventry first XI on Sunday put together.
And his actions have certainly angered former Real Madrid star Sneijder, who says he hopes City win the final 5-0.
Antony goaded Coventry’s players (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
‘Antony should be absolutely embarrassed for what he did,’ Sneijder told Ziggo Sport.
‘He should have walked straight off the pitch instead of doing that. I hope Manchester United lose 5-0 in the final.’
United will take on City on May 26th at 3pm, in a repeat of last season’s final.
City won 2-1 last year, taking the second step on their way to a treble.
Zinedine Zidane, who has not managed a team since leaving Real Madrid in May 2021, has been strongly linked with a move to Bayern but over the weekend, the German club distanced themselves from a move for the 51-year-old.
According to Sky Germany, Rangnick and Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi are on Bayern’s shortlist and the German club have already held negotiations with the former Manchester United interim manager.
The report claims that talks with Rangnick, which were held before Nagelsmann turned down a return to Bayern, were ‘positive’, while the 65-year-old is said to be ‘open’ to a return to the Bundesliga.
Rangnick already has vast experience of managing in the German top flight with Stuttgart, Hannover 96, Schalke, Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig.
Rald Rangnick spent five months as Manchester United’s interim manager (AFP via Getty)
He is currently head coach of Austria’s national team and is set to lead his side during their Euro 2024 campaign this summer.
When asked earlier this month if he had spoken to Bayern, Rangnick said: ‘No. Why should I?
‘I feel comfortable here. I still have a contract until 2026 and our goal and our path will continue after the Euros.’
Bayern, meanwhile, have also considered U-turning on their decision to let Tuchel leave at the end of the season.
‘The decision was made beforehand. But it was made together. That’s why we don’t need to discuss it. I really enjoy working with Thomas,’ said Bayern’s director Max Eberl at the weekend.
Chelsea suffered their second defeat in the space of a month at Wembley (Picture: Getty)
Ruud Gullit has blasted Chelsea’s ‘horrible’ performance in their FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City and taken aim at Mykhailo Mudryk for wasting an opportunity to equalise in stoppage time.
The result ended Chelsea’s hopes of lifting any silverware this season given Mauricio Pochettino’s men find themselves languishing down in ninth place in the Premier League, 27 points off leaders Arsenal ahead of the sides’ meeting at the Emirates this evening.
Despite Chelsea spending in excess of £1billion on new signings since Todd Boehly’s takeover in 2022, Gullit believes there is still a dearth of ‘quality’ within Pochettino’s squad in west London.
‘There really is a lack of quality,’ the legendary former Chelsea and Netherlands midfielder told The Sun.
‘You see that in the important moments, when the pressure is on. Then they can’t pass the ball quickly enough, taking an extra touch every time, so that it’s too late when they finally play the pass.
Gullit felt Chelsea let a huge opportunity slip through their fingers against City (Picture: Getty)
‘Too often, they don’t seem to see the danger from the opponents. You have to see them coming and make that pass early. But if you keep on taking the extra touch, that chance is gone – and that is a lack of quality.
‘If there was a moment when they could beat City, it was on Saturday, because you could see they were f***ed, they were gone.
‘They were making mistakes they wouldn’t normally make because they were tired.
‘And if you are Chelsea and you can’t take advantage of that – my God! It was horrible.’
Mudryk overhit a free-kick as Chelsea chased an equaliser deep into stoppage time (Picture: Getty)
Chelsea were handed a chance to draw level after being awarded a free-kick from an inviting angle in the eighth minute of stoppage time, with seven players waiting to capitalise inside the box.
But Mudryk, who had been introduced in place of Noni Madueke in the 79th minute, struck the ball straight out for a goal kick, with the Ukrainian’s team-mate’s throwing their arms in the air in despair.
‘How was it possible he could do it that badly?’ Gullit added.
Silva’s late strike proved decisive as the holders booked their spot in next month’s final (Picture: Getty)
‘Of course it p***ed off the Chelsea fans. And I think you have to name it as it is, to tell the truth.
‘Because if you go around it and make excuses, that’s no good. You have to say it’s a lack of quality and and then they know it.
‘They can be p***ed off with it but this is what people think. Then they can work on it. They can do something about it.’
Summer signing Palmer has scored 23 goals in all competitions for Chelsea this term (Picture: Getty)
In a separate interview with The Mirror, Gullit revealed he had been blown away by Cole Palmer’s barnstorming start to life at Stamford Bridge, though warned the young attacking midfielder that he may be enjoying a ‘honeymoon period’ in the wake of his summer arrival.
‘Palmer has fantastic numbers. He was a gift,’ the iconic Dutchman – the player-manager of Chelsea from 1996 to 1998 – said.
‘He’s come in this first year and played all the games, which is great because I like to watch him.
‘I think he has huge potential, that’s for sure. But he had a difficult time against Man City in the FA Cup semi-final.
‘You forget he is still a kid. He is young and he’s been huge for Chelsea this season but this is his honeymoon period.
‘Let’s see how he does after that. Let’s see what happens next year because there will be real pressure [to deliver again]. The team as a whole has to improve a lot next year too.’
Asked about Antony’s reaction to the win, Souness said on talkSPORT: ‘It was naff.
‘Manchester United are a class act. But for a player to act like that it’s naff, it’s like you just don’t do that as a Man United player.
‘It wasn’t Real Madrid you’ve just knocked out. It was Coventry, a team from the Championship.
‘It’s not the first time I’ve seen it from him, doing daft stuff. All the daft stuff about Marcus Rashford not closing down properly, about antics on match-day, that’s all ironed out on the training ground.
Antony taunted Coventry after the FA Cup semi-final win (Picture: Getty)
‘You get after them on the training ground and as a manager you encourage the senior players to get after them in the training ground.’
Souness also revealed his concern for ‘exceptionally talented’ Manchester United winger Garnacho, who is enjoying a breakthrough season at Old Trafford.
The Argentine star has started 24 of United’s 32 Premier League games this season and come on as a substitute in six others.
‘Garnacho for me is an exceptionally talented young man but I worry for him,’ Souness added.
‘It’s just an observation, called me old-fashioned, call me a dinosaur, but he’s got two ear-rings in the warm-up, on the pitch.
‘He’s a young boy just learning the game. Coming back to the point that Joe Cole would have made about good senior pros, pointing out to younger guys how you live your life, how you act, how you train, your attitude to life.
Souness fears for Old Trafford star Alejandro Garnacho (Picture: Getty)
‘And I just worry, it’s an age old thing, it’s not a new thing at Manchester United, they have always been the most glamorous football club in this country and just like Bayern Munich in Germany are called FC Hollywood, I think you can use the same term to talk about Manchester United.
‘They get too much too soon at Manchester United, that’s my take on it.’
After sneaking into the FA Cup final, United return to action on Wednesday night with the worst team in the Premier League, Sheffield United, visiting Old Trafford.
Rasmus Hojlund complained about Bruno Fernandes’ lack of service(Photo by Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund fell out with two of his team-mates earlier this season after complaining that Bruno Fernandes was ignoring him on the pitch.
The Dane joined the club in a £71million move from Atalanta last summer and he’s become a fans’ favourite for his spirited and energetic displays.
While Hojlund’s goals tally of 13 in 37 appearances is respectable for a 21-year-old in his first season at the club, the Dane feels he should have scored more.
Until then, the Dane was growing increasingly frustrated on the pitch and the Daily Mail say he was unhappy with Fernandes for failing to give him enough service.
Hojlund is said to have told the coaching staff about the problem, presenting Erik ten Hag’s backroom with a tricky situation.
Hojlund then fell out with Diogo Dalot following a 4-3 defeat to Copenhagen in the Champions League.
The Dane was unhappy with Dalot’s defending for a late equaliser and matters were made even worse when United conceded again to lose in the Danish capital.
Dalot and Hojlund fell out after a defeat to Copenhagen (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Fernandes sided with Dalot, leaving Hojlund even further isolated.
United’s staff told Hojlund to raise the issue with Dalot, rather than complaining to them about the situation.
The pair shook hands and resolved the situation, which then saw Fernandes drop his feud with Hojlund.
While not unique, it’s an insight into how fractured the dressing room has been at times this season as United have fallen below expectations.
The club finished bottom of their Champions League group and exited the Carabao Cup at the hands of Newcastle.
United are 7th in the league table, and set to miss out on Champions League qualification.
After guiding Feyenoord to their first Eredivisie title in six years last season, Slot was wanted by Tottenham but the 45-year-old opted to sign a new three-year contract with the Dutch club.
Slot has enjoyed further success this season as he guided Feyenoord to victory over NEC Nijmegen in the KNVB Cup final at the weekend.
And the Dutchman has now been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool this summer as Liverpool seek a replacement for Klopp.
‘I think he’s really good,’ Van Basten said of Slot on Ziggo Sport’s ‘Rondo’.
‘I hope he stays in the Netherlands longer because it is an enrichment for Dutch football. He can really go anywhere – Bayern Munich, Liverpool… I’m really convinced of that.
‘I’ve spoken to him a few times and I think what he does and what he sees is very strong. He gets along very well with the group of players, is tactically well-versed, can explain things well and is calm and intelligent. I think he can go to any club, even at the very difficult clubs, because he is so intelligent.
Arne Slot guided Feyenoord to victory in the KNVB Cup final at the weekend (Getty)
‘He has a lot of qualities and he shows it at every level. He first did it at AZ, and now at Feyenoord. And Feyenoord is a really complicated club. He has been doing well for three years, while PSV and Ajax have much more options in terms of money.
‘He could really fit anywhere. If you get AZ and Feyenoord to play football, you also get big clubs like AC Milan to play football. You can clearly see his hand where he is the coach.
‘I think it will even be easier for him at a higher level because he has better players who understand his ideas faster. I also think he is smart enough to manage stubborn players.’
Former Netherlands international Wim Jonk also backed Slot to succeed at Liverpool.
‘He gave Feyenoord a face,’ said Jonk.
‘Arne has made enormous strides, so I would like that. Liverpool is also a bit like the Feyenoord of England.’
Milan van Ewijk is proud of his display against Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford (Picture: Getty)
Coventry star Milan van Ewijk says he can ‘hold his head high’ after the side’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United and believes he kept Marcus Rashford ‘reasonably under control’ at Wembley.
United appeared to have one foot in next month’s final after Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes all netted inside an hour to give Erik ten Hag’s men a healthy three-goal advantage.
But Coventry – managed by ex-United striker Mark Robins – picked themselves up off the floor to stun the Red Devils, with Ellis Simms and Callum O’Hare scoring before Haji Wright converted a last-gasp penalty to force extra-time.
The Championship outfit appeared to have found a winner deep into extra-time as Victor Torp beat Andre Onana from close range, only for the video assistant referee to disallow the goal for offside.
United went on to prevail on penalties to book their place in the final against the holders Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola’s side overcoming Chelsea in Saturday’s semi-final.
Rashford was largely ineffective before being substituted for Amad Diallo in the 89th minute and Coventry wing-back Van Ewijk put in a commendable performance against the England forward, keeping him quiet for the most part.
Speaking to Dutch publication Voetbal Primeur, Van Ewijk said he was proud of his display despite Coventry – FA Cup winners back in 1987 – missing out on a spot in this year’s final.
United won on penalties to book their place in the final against holders City (Picture: Getty)
‘I kept Rashford reasonably under control, but of course there are moments when he shows his qualities,’ the Netherlands international said.
‘I did play a good game, fortunately. I showed who I am, so I can go home with my head held high.
‘At some point, the game starts turning and then we get the chance.
Van Ewijk is still hurting after Coventry were denied an extra-time winner by VAR (Picture: Getty)
‘Then you feel new energy and with every goal you think it’s still possible.
‘I think it’s human to think there is something to be gained. I’m really proud of the team.
‘It’s sick to be here and play, but then to lose on penalties is really annoying.’
Coventry’s Torp appeared to have won it deep into extra-time (Picture: Getty)
Clearly still hurting from the loss, Van Ewijk says the way in which Coventry were denied a dramatic extra-time winner by VAR ‘really stings’.
‘That ball eventually goes in and I sink to the ground straight away, because I couldn’t do any more,’ he added.
‘Then afterwards you hear the crowd screaming and everyone goes wild, but then suddenly you see that VAR is going to check the goal.
‘Then you start to doubt and then you see how minimal an offside it is. That really stings.’
There were calls for Erik ten Hag to resign as United escaped a humiliating defeat to Coventry by the skin of their teeth and the Dutchman was forced to defend his position after the game.
On fans wanting him out of the club, Ten Hag told beIN SPORTS: ‘They can have their opinion.
‘But I would say, in the decade when Manchester United were very successful, they only achieved the FA Cup final three times and now we have done it two times in two seasons.
Current leaders Arsenal welcome Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea to the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night looking to extend their advantage at the top of the table.
The Gunners got their title charge back on track at the weekend, beating Wolves 2-0 following deflating defeats to Bayern Munich in the Champions League and Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Arsenal are currently level on points with Liverpool with a superior goal difference and one ahead of Manchester City, who both play later in the week.
Ex-Premier League striker Sutton believes this is a ‘really dangerous’ game for Arsenal, bidding to win their first title since 2004, and revealed his prediction in a column for BBC Sport.
‘Arsenal bounced back from a bad week really well against Wolves on Saturday and won comfortably, but Chelsea put in a good performance too despite losing their FA Cup semi-final to Manchester City,’ he said.
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‘This feels like a really dangerous game for the Gunners, and the rivalry between the two clubs is going to be a big factor as well.
‘Chelsea probably should have beaten them at Stamford Bridge in October but let a two-goal lead slip late on.
‘They are making progress under Mauricio Pochettino but they still have a habit of shooting themselves in the foot like they did that day.
‘So, I am backing Arsenal to find a way of winning this one – although again it is going to be extremely close. Arsenal 2-1.’
Malo Gusto and Ben Chilwell are also doubts for the Blues, while Arsenal are assessing the fitness of Takehiro Tomiyasu after he missed Saturday’s victory at Wolves with a knock.
Julian Nagelsmann had been a target for Manchester United (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United’s new co-owners decided against appointing Julian Nagelsmann because they felt doing so would represent a repeat of mistakes made in the past by the club.
The Red Devils are likely to part ways with Erik ten Hag in the summer, following the Dutchman’s dire second season in charge at Old Trafford.
Nagelsmann, just 36, is one of the most coveted coaches in the world and he’s repaired the damage done to his reputation with the German national team after a stint with Bayern Munich.
The former RB Leipzig coach was in two minds over whether to extend his deal with the national team, following interest from former club Bayern and United.
But he confirmed earlier this week that he has signed a deal to guide Germany to the 2026 World Cup.
That’s despite interest from United, where there is admiration for Nagelsmann at board level.
But the Telegraph say the club feel Nagelsmann’s appointment would have seen the club repeating mistakes of the past.
Nagelsmann has extended his deal with Germany(Credits: IMAGO/Jürgen Kessler / Avalon)
While Nagelsmann is respected, the German likes to play a specific brand of football with wing-backs and three at the back.
There was therefore an acceptance at Old Trafford that the team is not geared towards Nagelsmann, and almost that the club was not ready for the German.
Instead, United will focus on creating a ‘game model’ at the club through the work of Jason Wilcox, who has been appointed as technical director.
It will be Wilcox’s job to create a coherent system that will produce suitable players for the first team and academy, that are geared towards playing a similar brand of football.
United have bounced from manager to manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, and they’ve allowed each coach too much say in transfer policy.
Ten Hag has been allowed to primarily sign players from Holland, and often players that he has worked with before.
The Germany international spent three years at Chelsea after joining from Bayer Leverkusen for £71m, scoring 19 goals in 91 Premier League appearances and netting the winner in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City.
Havertz’s arrival at Arsenal came as a surprise as he largely flattered to deceive in a Blues shirt and the deal looked even more questionable as he initially struggled in north London.
But the 24-year-old has slowly developed into a key member of Mikel Arteta’s squad over the course of the season, helping the Gunners challenge for the Premier League title and reach the latter stages of the Champions League.
‘I thought he was a brilliant player for Chelsea,’ Cole told the Daily Express. ‘He came in with a massive transfer fee and he played in multiple positions and always did a good job. And he scored the winning goal in the Champions League final.
‘I’ve always liked him. I didn’t want to see him go. He’s gone there [to Arsenal] and done really well and found his feet.
Havertz swapped Chelsea for Arsenal last summer (Picture: Getty)
‘He’s a box player, whether he plays as a No.9 or a false nine, he’s got a lovely instinct to score goals and a lovely weight of pass and calmness.
‘I’d have loved to see him stay at Chelsea, I really would. I think he’s a cracking player. When he was playing that role for Chelsea, that role was synonymous of the last 20 years of like [Didier] Drogba, [Fernando] Torres and [Diego] Costa, recognised centre-forwards.
‘When he was playing there, Chelsea fans are used to having that. I thought he did a great job at Chelsea and he was a great signing for Arsenal.’
While Arsenal have rivalled Manchester City and Liverpool for the title this season, Chelsea have been languishing in mid-table for most of the campaign.
The London rivals meet at the Emirates on Tuesday night, with Arsenal hoping to extend their lead at the top of the table and Chelsea attempting to make up more ground on their rivals for European football.
Arsenal beat Wolves 2-0 last time out following successive defeats in the Premier League and Champions League, while Chelsea were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City in a tight FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.
