Erik ten Hag addresses Antony criminal accusations amid Manchester United praise

Erik ten Hag addressed the off-field issues surrounding Antony ahead of Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest.

Antony was accused of several cases of violence and domestic abuse by his former partner back in June, with a police report being filed in Brazil.

Antony started and performed well during Manchester United‘s 3-2 comeback win against Nottingham Forest, and was praised post-match by both fans and pundits for his role in the club’s Old Trafford victory.

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In light of the club’s decision to part ways with Mason Greenwood, Erik ten Hag has been fielding questions in relation to off-field distractions surrounding the side.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Forest tie, Ten Hag was asked about Antony by journalists.

“No,” Ten Hag replied when asked if the allegations are a concern or issue to deal with.

“The outcome in Brazil was clear and he completed a good pre-season. He’s also scoring some goals. He is more often in the situations where he is a threat for the opponent, but not only a threat. He’s in the key moments there, where he should have been. Now we have to finish.

“In pre-season, he scored two goals and, also, I think, one assist. So I think he is in a good direction. And now he has to speed up because, for us, good is not good enough. So don’t get distracted. Focus on football and on performing.”

Antony responded to the accusations at the end of June, saying: “After submitting my statement at the police station where the investigation of the investigation involving my name is being conducted, I wanted to speak publicly for the first time since I was falsely accused of assault.

“I stayed silent until the moment so that nothing could interfere with the investigation process, but during all those days my family and I suffered in silence. Despite being born and raised in a very needy community, I had never been through a situation similar to this, in which a false assault charge resulted in a preliminary and unfair public judgment on the part of some.

“After the closure of the investigation my innocence will be proven certain that justice will prevail and the damage initially caused to my image will be in the past. Thank you for the countless messages of support received at this very difficult time.”