Erik ten Hag believes allegations against Antony have affected the Manchester United winger’s performances this season.
The £86 million (via Sky Sports) signing from Ajax has underdelivered and struggled to impact a United side that have been desperate for spark in attack. Antony’s lack of goals and assists has become an glaring issue and he now has competition from Alejandro Garnacho as well as Amad Diallo.
However, Antony missed five games earlier this season when he took a leave of absence and voluntarily attended a police interview in September amid allegations of assault by a former girlfriend.
Gabriela Cavallin, an influencer/DJ, submitted complaints to Greater Manchester Police and Sao Paulo police accusing Antony of committing “physical and psychological violence” against her. Antony immediately denied these allegations and made an effort with the police in both countries.
The negativity has followed Antony, though, with critics turning their attention to his poor form on the pitch. He has not scored a goal or registered an assist all season and he was substituted early in the second half defeat to Nottingham Forest in his last appearance.
When asked about Antony’s performances at Friday’s press conference, Ten Hag told reporters that the reason was very simple (as per the Manchester Evening News): “I can explain I think it’s very simple. His off field issues stop him playing. First year was okay, the pre-season was very okay, first four games was very good, I’ve seen the game against Spurs back and he played a very good game but from the moment he was out and then he came back and didn’t deliver the performance you should expect from him and he can do so much better.”
“You mention Ajax, I look back there his effectiveness, end product was higher and also Champions League very high. He’s capable of doing this, key actions, key passes, the crosses, the finishing, it’s very high and should return to that level but the Premier League is more difficult and he’s capable of doing that. It has had an effect, an impact on him, definitely, so he has to deal with that, he caused them, he has to sort them out but he has to do better.”
Ten Hag also confirmed that Antony is back in contention for Sunday’s game against Tottenham.
It was suggested that he was forced off against Forest due to injury.
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