Erik ten Hag has claimed off-field issues are to blame for Antony’s underwhelming form. The Manchester United winger has been accused of more than one act of violence against women, all of which he denies.
Antony is yet to score or make an assist in 21 appearances this season, the Brazilian’s form causing the manager to drop him on more than one occasion.
“I think it’s very simple,” Ten Hag said. “His off-field issues stop him playing [well]. First year was OK, the pre-season [of this term] was very OK, first four games was very good. I’ve seen the game against Spurs back [a 2-0 loss in August] 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.”
Ten Hag previously coached Antony at Ajax and brought him to United for an initial £82m. “I look back there: his effectiveness, end product was higher and also in the Champions League very high,” he said. “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 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 [issues], he has to sort them out, but he has to do better [on the field].”
Antony’s former partner Gabriela Cavallin made numerous accusations which are being investigated by Greater Manchester police. A second woman, Ingrid Lana, has also made allegations against him which relate to a meeting in Manchester.
It is not known which allegations GMP is investigating but Antony denied all the allegations in an interview on Brazilian TV. It is understood police inquiries in the UK and Brazil are ongoing.
Ten Hag was also asked about Jadon Sancho, who has rejoined Borussia Dortmund on loan after being frozen out by the manager since refusing to apologise for effectively calling him a liar.
“I hope he’s doing well, so I wish him the best of good luck,” Ten Hag said. “That’s it. I hope he’s doing well and he’ll be a success.” Pressed on what Sancho had to do at Dortmund to get back into United’s team, Ten Hag said tersely: “I replied. I think it’s enough.”
Ten Hag, who has predicted brighter results once his injury list is shorter, said Antony, Lisandro Martínez, Casemiro, Luke Shaw, Christian Eriksen and Amad Diallo were in contention for Sunday’s game at home to Tottenham.
Meanwhile, young United left-back Alvaro Fernández is set to return from a loan spell at Granada and join Benfica. A €10m (£8.6m) permanent move is on the table according to reports in the Portuguese media, but a loan with clauses has also been under discussion.
