Antony has agreed to delay his return to action with Manchester United in order to sort out allegations regarding assault leveled against him.
The Brazilian winger was expected back to train with the Old Trafford club on Monday, September 11, 2023, after he was dropped by Brazil from their World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru.
However, Manchester United have revealed in a statement that they have “agreed with Antony to delay his return to the club until further notice.”
The statement by the club reads: “Players who have not participated in international matches are due back in training on Monday.
“However, it has been agreed with Antony that he will delay his return until further notice in order to address the allegations.
Additionally, the 20-time Premier League champions also condemned acts of violence and abuse.
When will Antony return to Manchester United?
Manchester United wrote: “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 has scored 8 goals and provided 3 assists in 48 appearances for the Red Devils across all competitions.
The 23-year-old joined Manchester United on August 30, 2022, from Ajax, for a fee of €95 million.
The Brazil international has also maintained his stance of being innocent of the allegations leveled against him. Reacting to the temporary suspension from Manchester United, he has released a statement, which reads:
“I have agreed with Manchester United to take a period of absence while I address the allegations made against me.
He also added: “I want to reiterate my innocence of the things I have been accused of, and I will fully cooperate with the police to help them reach the truth. I look forward to returning to play as soon as possible.”
The former Sao-Paulo forward has been accused of attacking his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin in a Manchester hotel on January 15, 2023.
He allegedly attacked her “with a headbutt” that left the Brazilian lady with a cut head that had to be treated by a doctor.
Two other women have also reportedly accused Antony of assaulting them, including; Ingrid Lana, a 33-year-old banker.
Lana alleged that she was “pushed against a wall” by Antony at his home in Manchester, in October 2022.
Manchester United suffer scarcity of right wingers
The absence of Antony from Manchester United squad will be a big blow to Erik Ten Hag, given the fact that he is the Dutch manager’s favorite on the right flank.
The English giants loaned Mason Greenwood to Getafe on September 1, 2023, and his loan deal runs until June 30, 2024.
Amad Diallo is still in the treatment room, recuperating from an ankle injury sustained in preseason.
There is also a cloud of doubt on the future of Jadon Sancho, due to a seeming feud between the Englishman and Ten Hag.
Manchester United might have to put their trust in Facundo Pellistri, who has overtime shown that he could deliver when called upon.
Pellistri joined the Manchester-based club from Peñarol on October 5, 2020, for a fee of €8.5 million.
He has made 12 appearances for Manchester United, scoring no goal and providing 1 assist across all competitions.
