Erik ten Hag has defended his decision to bring back Antony into the Manchester United first team amid allegations the player domestically abused his former girlfriend, insisting he ‘cooperated fully’ and was ‘not charged’.
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Antony’s former partner, Gabriela Cavallin, has alleged that she has been physically attacked by the 23-year-old on multiple occasions during their time together in Manchester and in their native Brazil.
Antony, who denies the accusations made by Cavallin, was placed on an indefinite leave of absence by United.
But United have now welcomed him back while ‘police inquiries proceed’ into his actions.
Antony was not in the squad who lost 1-0 at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday but Ten Hag has now confirmed that the winger is available for selection for Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Galatasaray.
Ten Hag revealed that update at a press conference on Monday – with one reporter asking Ten Hag what sort of message brining Antony back would send to victims of domestic violence.
‘He cooperated fully,’ Ten Hag said about Antony. ‘He was not charged.’
Earlier in the press conference, Ten Hag said: ‘Antony will be in consideration [to face Galatasaray]. Yesterday was his first time back in team training.
‘We have a final training session [before Tuesday’s match] and we will make a decision. But he will be in consideration, yeah.’
Quizzed specifically about team news, Ten Hag added: ‘Lisandro Martinez has to undergo surgery. The team news is that Antony can return.’
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