SUMMARY
- Erik ten Hag suggests abuse allegations by ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin, have impacted winger Antony's on-field performances.
- Antony has had a challenging season, failing to register a goal or assist in 21 appearances.
Winger Antony’s performances this season may have been impacted by off-field events, according to Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag. The Brazilian might be playing far better, he explained before the team’s impending match against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Dutchman stated (via press conference): “I think the off-the-field issues stopped him playing. It had an impact definitely. He caused it so he has to sort it out.” Antony has been performing extremely poorly for Manchester United and the year 2023 saw his worst ever season as a soccer player having scored just 1 goal in the whole year.
Following Gabriela Cavallin’s accusation that Antony had abused her, the former partner of hers missed a run of five Manchester United games in September. The assail, who strongly denied the allegations, walked away from the first team to go to police interviews.
🚨🚨🎙️| Ten Hag admits Antony’s form has suffered due to allegations made by ex-girlfriend, but says the player is partly responsible too:
“I think the off-the-field issues stopped him playing. It had an impact definitely. He caused it so he has to sort it out.” pic.twitter.com/HzSRbWTeYc
— centredevils. (@centredevils) January 12, 2024
Later that month, the Red Devils added the 23-year-old back into the roster after no charges were lodged against him. Still, he’s had a horrible season. Despite making 21 appearances across all competitions, he has not yet recorded a goal or an assist for the 2023–24 campaign.
In Manchester United’s most recent Premier League matchup against Nottingham Forest, Antony was substituted off the field at halftime due to a possible injury. At City Ground, they were defeated 2-1 in the match. Ten Hag, though, has stated that the Brazilian will be eligible for selection on Sunday, January 14 at Old Trafford against Spurs.
Erik ten Hag opens up on Jadon Sancho’s loan move to Borussia Dortmund
After Jadon Sancho temporarily returned to his old club, Erik ten Hag wished the winger success at Borussia Dortmund but remained silent about his long-term future. With great excitement, the 23-year-old left the Bundesliga team for Old Trafford in 2021. After a protracted and extensively reported chase of the England international, he was signed in a £73 million ($93 million) deal for the club.
However, Sancho has found it difficult to measure up to the expectations at Manchester United. Also, he had been expelled after alleging he was used as a “scapegoat” following Ten Hag’s admission that he did not perform to the “level” needed to be a member of Arsenal’s squad.
🔴🏴 Ten Hag on Jadon Sancho: “I hope he’s doing well, so I wish him the best of good luck. That’s it”.
“I hope he’s doing well and he’ll be a success at BVB”. pic.twitter.com/MejFjcrFla
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 12, 2024
In a press conference, Erik ten Hag said regarding Sancho, “I hope he’s doing well, so I wish him the best of luck, That’s it. I hope he’s doing well and he will be a success.” Throughout his four-month absence, the Dutchman has avoided talking about Sancho and has swiftly put an end to any more discussion about the United player.
It remains to be seen how Sancho performs in his 6-month loan stint at Borussia Dortmund as he will be raring to make an impact and show the world his talents. He is a very bright talent and can be the best if he puts in the hard work and ignores all the noise surrounding him.