Man United Delays Antony Return To The Club Until Further Notice, Afte Allegations Of Abuse And Assault.

Manchester United have announced that winger Antony will delay his return to the club after the international break "to address allegations" of assault made against him.

The 23-year-old was due back to training at Carrington on Monday after being dropped from Brazil's squad for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru by the country's football federation, as the allegations which became public needs to be investigated.

United have also towed the same line with Brazil, saying that it has been agreed with the player that he will delay his return to the club until further notice in order to address the serious matter.

The decision was signed off by United chief executive Richard Arnold after holding talks with manager Erik ten Hag.

Antony’s former girlfriend, Gabriela Cavallin, has claimed the footballer assaulted her on four occasions, one of which was "with a headbutt" in a Manchester hotel room on 15 January, leaving her with a cut head that needed treatment by a doctor.

She alleges she was also punched in the chest, causing damage to a silicone breast implant, which required corrective surgery.

Two more women in Brazil, Rayssa de Freitas and Ingrid Lana, a 33-year-old banker, has also claimed in a short clip released by Brazil's Record TV that she hit her head when "pushed against a wall" by Antony at his house in Manchester in October 2022.

Antony himself appeared on Brazilian TV on Friday, saying "I never attacked any woman" and added that "the truth will come out".

He previously said on social media about Cavallin's claims: "I can calmly state that the accusations are false and that the evidence already produced and the other evidence that will be produced demonstrate that I am innocent of the accusations made."

Both Greater Manchester Police and Sao Paulo Police are looking into the claims.

"Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony," said a club statement on Sunday.

"Players who have not participated in international matches are due back in training on Monday.

"However, it has been agreed with Antony that he will delay his return until further notice in order to address the allegations.

"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 on the other hand, issued a statement almost immediately saying: "I have agreed with Man United to take a period of absence while I address the allegations made against me.

"This was a mutual decision to avoid distraction to my teammates and unnecessary controversy for the club.

"I want to reiterate my innocence of the things I have been accused of, and I will fully co-operate with the police to help them reach the truth. I look forward to returning to play as soon as possible."

Antony joined the Red Devil's from Dutch club side Ajax in the summer of 2022 for £85m and has made 48 appearances for the club, scoring eight goals.

Though, given the Brazilian has not been charged or arrested yet, Antony reportedly remains on full pay and his absence is not being treated as a suspension by United, but his indefinite time away is being described as a "leave of absence" to allow the forward to focus on defending himself.

The club intends to continue to review the situation.