Erik ten Hag insists Antony‘s return to the Manchester United squad won’t be a distraction as the Brazil star continues to fight allegations of domestic abuse.
Antony will resume training at Carrington on Saturday before his team-mates face Crystal Palace at Old Trafford after returning from Brazil on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old was questioned by Greater Manchester Police on Thursday over allegations that he attacked his girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin – which he strongly denies – and was allowed to go home without any restrictions.
United issued a statement announcing Antony’s return before Ten Hag’s press conference on Friday, and the Dutchman said: ‘We make the statement so I refer to the statement, everything has been made clear in the statement. No, I don’t think it’s a distraction. We will focus on the games. He will do as well.
‘On Saturday, he will be back in training, so tomorrow. I have to see, but I think, yeah (he’s fit).’
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag does not believe Antony’s return to the squad will prove a distraction amid domestic abuse allegations against him
The 23-year-old is set to return to training at United and will be available to play in matches
Ten Hag was less willing to discuss Jadon Sancho who continues to train on his own after refusing to apologise to his manager for publicly challenging his reasons for dropping the player at Arsenal earlier this month.
‘Many of you ask me this so often, these questions, and I have said everything,’ replied Ten Hag.
United said in a statement that Antony’s situation ‘will be kept under review pending further developments in the case’.
It read: ‘Since allegations were first made in June, Antony has cooperated with police inquiries in both Brazil and the UK, and he continues to do so.
‘As Antony’s employer, Manchester United has decided that he will resume training at Carrington, and be available for selection, while police inquiries proceed. This will be kept under review pending further developments in the case.
‘As a club we condemn acts of violence and abuse. We recognise the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.’
Antony returned to the UK on Tuesday night after confirming with police in Sao Paulo that he was permitted to leave Brazil, and then voluntarily met with Greater Manchester Police on Thursday.
It’s understood that he was not arrested or detained at the end of the interview, and was allowed to go home without any restrictions.
Antony’s ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin has alleged Antony attacked her on four occasions
Antony has missed the last four games since the international break after being dropped by Brazil and put on leave by United to stay in South America to fight the allegations.
He has been accused by his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin that he attacked on four occasions in total, including twice in the UK.
She alleges that the former Ajax winger, who joined United for £82m last year, assaulted her at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Manchester on January 15, damaging one of her breast implants.
She also claims that Antony cut her finger to the bone in June when he threw a glass at her.
The 23-year-old gave a tearful television interview denying the allegations earlier this month
Another woman, 33-year-old banker Ingrid Lana, has come forward with a similar accusation. A third accuser, Rayssa de Freitas, is understood to have dropped her allegation.
The player made an emotional TV appearance in his homeland earlier this month to deny all the allegations.
Speaking to Brazilian TV channel SBT earlier this month, Antony said: ‘I know the truth and it will come out. I know many are butchering me, but the truth always comes out.
‘I’m 100 per cent sure I’ve never touched a woman, and I’ll come up with the evidence. I have never assaulted and I will never assault. I’m sure I’ve never committed physical violence. I have a mother, a sister, and I would never want this to happen to them.’
