Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag breaks silence on Antony as winger returns to squad after responding to domestic abuse claims

MANCHESTER UNITED defended the call to bring Antony back into the squad amid domestic abuse claims.

The Brazilian, who faces accusations from three women, is returning to training on Saturday.

United said: “Since allegations were first made in June, Antony has co-operated 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.”

Antony, 23, has not played since their 3-1 defeat at Arsenal on September 3 after getting time off to fight the allegations back in his native Brazil.

The ex-Ajax star also spoke with Greater Manchester Police on Thursday and has not been arrested or charged in either Brazil or the UK.

He will not feature against Crystal Palace and boss Erik ten Hag will assess him to see if he is ready to face Galatasaray at home in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

The Red Devils manager said: “I’ve spoken to him but that doesn’t give the impression how he is — how his mental status is. I can’t tell at this moment, first he has to be back.”

Asked how he could be welcomed back while Jadon Sancho is exiled after his public bust-up with the boss, Dutchman Ten Hag replied: “Those issues are nothing to do with each other. One is internal, the other one is external.”

Antony gave a tearful interview in which he denied the allegations made against him, and stated he does not fear for his United future.

He said: “It’s something that doesn’t cross my mind.

“I never touched her. I know that many are massacring me but the truth always comes out. I am 100 per cent sure that I have never touched a woman.

“I dream of returning to the national team and I want to show that Antony is innocent of all this.”

United parted ways with Mason Greenwood after charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm against him were dropped.

Old Trafford chiefs conducted their own investigation and decided it was ‘appropriate’ for club and player to part company.