Erik ten Hag has spoken out on Antony’s return (Photo: TNT Sports/Getty)
Erik ten Hag has spoken out about the decision to reintegrate Antony back into Manchester United’s squad amid the domestic abuse allegations against him.
Antony was named on the bench for United’s Champions League clash against Galatasaray on Tuesday night.
It is the first time the Brazil international has been included in a match day squad for nearly a month after being placed on a leave of absence to deal with the allegations.
The winger’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.
Last Friday, United announced that Antony, who denies the accusations, could return to training and was available for selection while ‘police inquiries proceed’.
Ten Hag suggested in his pre-match press conference that the player may feature against Galatasaray and defended his decision to bring him back to the first-team.
He doubled down on these comments ahead of kick-off, telling TNT Sports: ‘Of course, our minds were with him and of course also the allegations.
‘You think about it. We took them very serious, but we took the leave of absence to deal with this and he was fully co-operative with the police in Brazil and in Manchester.
‘He’s not accused, so he’s available.’
Ten Hag has made just one change to the side that lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace over the weekend, with Hannibal Mejbri replacing Facundo Pellistri.
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‘Hannibal is a young player, he is not able to play three times in one week. He’s not that experienced,’ the manager added.
‘He’ll bring energy. We want to manage that energy, so we have to manage the squad.
‘I’m not used to it but you still what to have the best team always and from a technical approach he fits in very well today.’
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