Ten Hag confirms Man Utd stance on Antony facing Galatasaray in Champions League
Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Antony is back in consideration for the Manchester United squad after his recent leave of absence.
Ten Hag said: "Antony will be in consideration but yesterday was his first time back in team training. We have a final training, then we'll make a decision." The winger is facing allegations of physical assault and attended an interview with Greater Manchester Police last week.
The Brazilian was questioned by detectives over five hours, with United having granted him a leave of absence to deal with the allegations, which he denies. The 23-year-old has missed their last five games, though is now back in training and available for selection.
A statement released by United last week said: “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.”
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Antony denies the allegations made against him and has not been arrested or charged in the UK or Brazil in connection with them, and continues to cooperate fully with inquiries in both countries. Sources close to the player say he has provided evidence to support his strong denials of the allegations against him.
Antony is back in training at Manchester United (Matt West/REX/Shutterstock)United say they will continue to keep the situation under review for as long as inquiries continue, but feel they are justified in bringing Antony back for training and selection. Responding to the allegations on social media, Antony said: "I can calmly state that the accusations are false and that the evidence already produced and the other evidence that will be produced demonstrate that I am innocent of the accusations made."
He also released a statement in June saying he had been falsely accused by his former girlfriend of domestic violence. He was interviewed by police in Brazil in June but was not charged.
Upon his return, Ten Hag warned that the winger would have to prove he is mentally ready before being considered available for selection. He will have one more day to prove himself, with United hosting the Turkish giants on Tuesday.
“I can’t tell at this moment, first he has to be back,” said Ten Hag. “I've spoken to him, but that doesn’t give you the impression of how he is, how his mental status is.
“On Saturday he will be back in training. No, I don't think it's a distraction. We will focus on the games. He will do as well.”
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