Antony affected by off-field issues – Ten Hag

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says Antony’s form has been hampered by off-field concerns.

The Brazilian has been the target of a police inquiry after three women accused him of domestic abuse, however, he has not been detained or charged in either Brazil or the UK and rejects the allegations.

In 21 appearances this season, the 23-year-old has no goals or assists.

“I think his off-field issues stop him playing,” Ten Hag said.

“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.

“First year he was OK, in the pre-season he was very OK, first four games [of this season] he was very good.

“But from the moment 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.

“His end product in Ajax was very high and he could return to that level. The Premier League is more difficult but he’s capable of doing that.”

Antony joined Manchester United for £82 million from Ajax in September 2022, having scored 24 goals and given 22 assists in 82 games for the Dutch giants.

He had 10 goals and five assists in 47 games for the Red Devils in 2022-23, and he started the first four games of this season.