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In a candid assessment of the challenges facing Manchester United winger Antony this season, manager Erik ten Hag has pointed to off-field allegations as the reason behind the player's poor form.
The allegations involve domestic violence accusations made by his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin, leading to his absence from both United and the Brazilian national team.
Off-Field Issues Take Center Stage
Antony's tumultuous personal life has been a significant factor in his recent struggles on the pitch. The player's absence from the Brazilian national team in September and his subsequent absence from five games for Manchester United highlight the seriousness of the allegations.
While two more women initially came forward with similar claims, one has since withdrawn her accusation.
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The 23-year-old winger has cooperated with authorities, attending voluntary interviews with police in Sao Paolo and Manchester.
Importantly, he has not been arrested or charged with any crime and vehemently denies all the allegations. Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
A Season to Forget for Antony
On the football front, Antony has faced criticism this season for failing to register a single goal or assist in 21 appearances for Manchester United.
As he prepares to return to action against Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday, Erik ten Hag believes that the off-field distractions have hindered the player's ability to reproduce the stellar form that led Ajax to pay £86 million for his services last year.
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Ten Hag explains, as reported by Daily Mail, "I think it's very simple. I think his off-field issues stop him playing. It has had an effect, they have had an impact on him, definitely.
"So he has to deal with that, so he caused them, so he has to sort them out. We will give him all the support but he has to do better."
The manager acknowledges Antony's initial promise, stating, "First year he was okay, in the pre-season he was very okay, first four games he was very good." However, Ten Hag emphasizes that since his return from absence, Antony has not lived up to expectations.
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Looking back at the player's successful stint with Ajax, Ten Hag recalls, "You mention Ajax, I look back there so his effectiveness and his end product was very high there and also in the Champions League very high.
"So I am sure he's capable of doing this, bringing key actions, key passes, the crosses, the finishing, so his end product in Ajax was very high and he should return to that level but the Premier League is more difficult and he's capable of doing that."
In the midst of off-field turmoil, the challenge now lies in Antony's ability to regain his form and silence his critics as he aims to make a significant impact for Manchester United in the Premier League.
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