BRAEKING NEWS: Antony’s provocation of Coventry players marks the pivotal moment in his disappointing tenure at United, casting a shadow on the manager who brought him to the club.

Finally, Antony has etched his legacy in a Manchester United jersey with a momentous contribution to an unforgettable occasion. However, this act might also spell the end of his tenure at Old Trafford if Sir Jim Ratcliffe enforces his “no dickheads policy” during the summer clearout, provided the billionaire’s return on investment hasn’t already sealed Antony’s fate.

Antony’s “cupped ear” gesture left an enduring mark on a match that encompassed every aspect of football drama. It revealed much about him personally and the modern game at large. While he’s not the first to display such behavior in the heat of the moment, his lack of humility was glaringly evident.

What condemned Antony was his complete failure to grasp the context of the intense match. He failed to recognize the underdog status of Coventry, which sparked widespread condemnation on social media. Observers like @sjames1132 captured the sentiment perfectly, encapsulating English football’s narrative since 1992 in a single image.

Among sporting transgressions, reveling in an opponent’s despair ranks high, and Antony’s actions could hardly have been more reprehensible. What made it even more perverse was that he wasn’t celebrating his own team’s success but rather taunting the opposition after a penalty shootout in which he wasn’t even directly involved.

As Antony antagonized Coventry players, his captain, Harry Maguire, demonstrated sportsmanship by offering consolation. Antony’s actions have further fueled animosity toward United, not only justifying support for their opponents in the upcoming FA Cup final but also endowing Manchester City with a rare commodity: universal popularity, even if only for a moment.

Antony has become a symbol of Erik ten Hag’s tenure at United. Initially valued at £25 million, he was eventually signed for £85 million, envisioned as the cornerstone of Ten Hag’s United revival. However, Antony’s struggles in the Premier League have disappointed fans and attracted controversy off the field.

Despite no charges being filed after allegations of physical abuse, Antony’s underperformance has made him a difficult asset to sell. The “cupped ear” incident highlights the error in the club’s decision-making, listening to Ten Hag’s endorsements of the player. If Ten Hag’s judgment of Antony is flawed, it raises questions about his assessment of the team’s progress.

United’s recent struggles, including conceding more goals than they’ve scored and finishing bottom of their Champions League group, cast doubt on Ten Hag’s leadership. Reaching the FA Cup final doesn’t signify progress, especially considering their struggles against lower-tier teams and the narrow victory over Liverpool.

Antony’s moment of glory may have been fleeting, but it represents one of many false indicators in Ten Hag’s tenure, signaling an impending end to his failed proposition at Manchester United.