11 months ago
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Erik ten Hag believes that Antony's off-field issues have impacted his performances for Manchester United.
The Brazilian star remains under investigation by Greater Manchester Police following allegations from his former partner Gabriela Cavallin, who accused the footballer of assault on different occasions between June 2022 and May 2023.
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The 23-year-old denies all claims against him and was granted a leave of absence by the Red Devils in September to address the allegations.
As a result, Antony missed five matches and spent three weeks away from first team training.
On the pitch, Antony's time at Old Trafford hasn't gone as planned since his £86million move.
In 65 appearances for the club, the winger has scored just eight goals and managed three assists.
Not only that, but in 21 appearances this term Antony has failed to register a goal or an assist, something that Ten Hag puts down to his off-field issues.
“I think it’s very simple. I think his off-field issues stop him playing,” the United manager said.
“First year he was okay, in the pre-season he was very okay, first four games he was very good. For instance I’ve seen the game against Spurs back and he played a very good game over there.
“But from the moment off, he was out and then he came back, he didn’t deliver the performance we should expect from him and he can do so much better.
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“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.
“His end product in Ajax was very high and he should return to that level but Premier League is more difficult and he’s capable of doing that.”
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Man United are next in action against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon, with Antony in line to return to the squad.
This comes after he missed the FA Cup clash against Wigan through injury.
