The 24-year-old was widely condemned for his actions, especially given the Red Devils had contrived to let a 3-0 lead slip in the last 20 minutes of normal time. The most brutal analysis came from Clinton Morrison on Radio 5 Live, who said: “He needs to concentrate on himself because he could be playing the Championship next season.”
Pressed on the Brazilian star in his press conference on Monday, Ten Hag said: “He was provoked, that’s why this was a reaction of that, you haven’t seen the provocation, only the reaction. But he should not do it.”
An angry Ten Hag also questioned why Harry Maguire’s reaction wasn’t highlited by reporters, who in contrast to his team-mate, was dignified post-match and headed straight towards the Coventry players to console them. “Did you see the reaction of Harry Maguire?”, he asked.
Watch all the Premier League and Champions League drama unfold on TNT Sports.
