The form of Manchester United winger Antony has been impacted by off-field issues, says manager Erik ten Hag.
The Brazilian has been the subject of a police investigation after allegations of domestic abuse were made against him by three women, though he has not been arrested or charged in either Brazil or the UK and denies the allegations.
The 23-year-old has no goals or assists in 21 appearances this season.
“I think his off-field issues stop him playing,” said Ten Hag.
“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.”
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Antony became Manchester United’s second most expensive signing when he joined from Ajax for £82m in September 2022, having scored 24 goals and provided 22 assists in 82 appearances for the Dutch giants.
He scored 10 goals and contributed five assists in 47 appearances for the Red Devils during 2022-23 and started the first four games of this season.
During the international break in September, Brazilian news outlet UOL published allegations made by Antony’s ex-partner Gabriela Cavallin, which Antony denies.
Further assault allegations followed when Rayssa de Freitas and Ingrid Lana each claimed Antony assaulted them in 2022, which he denies.
United responded by saying they take the allegations “seriously” and granted Antony leave with full pay to deal with the allegations on 10 September.
He resumed training from 29 September having spoken to Greater Manchester Police voluntarily and returned to action in early October.
“First year he was OK, in the pre-season he was very OK, first four games [of this season] he was very good,” added Ten Hag.
“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.”
Ten Hag also wished Jadon Sancho good luck after his loan move to Borussia Dortmund was confirmed earlier this week.
The 23-year-old has been exiled from the Manchester United team since a public dispute with Ten Hag at the beginning of September.
“I hope he’s doing well,” he said. “I wish him the best of good luck. That’s it. I hope he’s doing well and he’ll be a success.”
Sources: BBC Sport
