Antony to meet with police after returning to UK from Brazil

Manchester United winger Antony has returned to the UK from Brazil and is set to meet police over the multiple assault allegations that have been made against him.

Antony hasn’t played for United since the 3-1 Premier League defeat to Arsenal at the start of September. He was dropped from Brazil’s squad for their September internationals following the first set of allegations that came from former girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin and initially remained in Brazil.

Further assault allegations have since been made two other women, Rayssa de Freitas and Ingrid Lana, with the alleged incidents believed to have taken place in both the UK and Brazil.

90min can confirm that the 23-year-old is now back in Englad but remains on a leave of absence from United. He flew into the country on Tuesday and intends to cooperate with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) with regard to questioning, as well as hand over his mobile phone for inspection. He has already cooperated with police in Brazil, including a voluntary interview in June.

There have been no arrests and no charges made against Antony, who previously said of the allegations: “I want to reiterate my innocence of the things I have been accused of.”

Antony’s transfer from Ajax to Manchester United last summer was worth a total of £86m, including add-ons attached to the deal. He has typically been Erik ten Hag’s preferred starter on the right wing when fit and made 44 appearances across all competitions in 2022/23, scoring eight goals.

From a consistency standpoint, his performances have been increasingly criticised and the Brazilian wasn’t perceived to have started the 2023/24 campaign well – with no goals or assists in four games.