Manchester United give Antony leave of absence to address allegations against him

Manchester United

Antony has been granted a leave of absence by Manchester United to address a series of allegations of violence against women. The 23-year-old faces accusations from his former partner Gabriela Cavallin and is currently under investigation by Greater Manchester police. Antony has strongly denied these allegations, and in the wake of their initial emergence, two other women have come forward with similar claims of violence, which he also refutes. Rayssa de Freitas, a law student and influencer, filed a police report in Brazil in May 2022, alleging that Antony injured her during an incident in São Paulo. Additionally, Ingrid Lana appeared on Brazilian TV to assert that Antony had pushed her against a wall, resulting in her hitting her head, at his Manchester residence in October of the previous year.

Antony responded to these allegations with a statement, saying, "I have agreed with Manchester United to take a leave of absence while I address the allegations made against me. This decision was made mutually to prevent distractions for my teammates and to avoid unnecessary controversy for the club. I want to emphasize my innocence regarding the accusations and express my full willingness to cooperate with the police in their efforts to uncover the truth. I look forward to returning to playing as soon as possible."

Manchester United, having recently faced the departure of Mason Greenwood, has opted not to suspend Antony, and he will continue to receive his full salary. The club released a statement acknowledging the allegations against Antony, stating, "Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony. 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 strongly condemn acts of violence and abuse. We recognize the paramount importance of safeguarding all individuals involved in this situation and acknowledge the profound impact these allegations can have on survivors of abuse.

The decision regarding Antony's leave of absence was made in consultation with our manager, Erik ten Hag, and we will continue to review the matter closely.

In the past, our handling of similar situations, such as the case involving Mason Greenwood, faced criticism due to charges being dropped after the withdrawal of key witnesses and the emergence of new evidence that led to an absence of a realistic prospect of conviction. Women’s Aid has expressed its support for the decision that Antony will not be returning to training or games with @ManUtd until further notice while this situation is properly addressed. Our unwavering commitment is to prioritize safeguarding in all circumstances.

If Jadon Sancho believed that he had received a generous break, he would soon come to realize that Edinson Cavani had an even more extensive holiday allowance. Cavani had a habit of being absent for the first game after international duty and occasionally went against the medical staff's advice by declaring himself unfit for matches. For instance, despite playing in Uruguay's Copa America quarter-final defeat to Colombia on July 4, 2021, Cavani did not return to training at Carrington until August 20, resulting in a 47-day vacation period.

Sancho never fully recovered from his initial struggles. Sources within Carrington revealed that the England players faced mental challenges after their Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy. Sancho and Marcus Rashford, who both missed penalties during the shootout, were subjected to racial abuse by online trolls.

Sancho was thrust into a demanding environment at United, where the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to the dressing room and high expectations for a championship challenge loomed. However, United's performance deteriorated rapidly as the playing field leveled following the end of the era of closed-door matches, and Sancho's difficulties became apparent.

While Borussia Dortmund had successfully nurtured three prodigious talents, it appeared that United had acquired the least suitable among them. Although United had expressed significant interest in Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham before both players rejected the club, it seemed that their research and evaluation of Sancho fell short.

Initially, United believed that Sancho would be the solution to their problems on the right side of the field. However, it soon became evident that Sancho preferred to operate from the left, inadvertently exacerbating United's issues with their lopsided attack.

Transfers and Squad Depth
The transfer market has been buzzing with activity at Manchester United. The summer of 2023 saw some notable arrivals, including the likes of exciting young talents and experienced players. One of the marquee signings was the acquisition of Jadon Sancho, who returned to England after his stint with Borussia Dortmund. Sancho's pace and creativity are expected to provide a significant boost to United's attacking prowess.

Another key addition to the squad was Raphaël Varane, the World Cup-winning French defender. His partnership with club captain Harry Maguire promises to shore up United's defense and provide much-needed stability at the back.

In addition to these signings, the emergence of academy graduates like Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford continues to be a source of pride for the club. The blend of youth and experience in the squad has the potential to create a winning formula.

Ambitious Goals
Manchester United is a club with lofty ambitions. The primary goal is to regain the Premier League title, a feat that has eluded them for several years. With the new management and squad upgrades, fans are cautiously optimistic about the team's chances this season.

Furthermore, success in European competition is a top priority. The UEFA Champions League remains the ultimate challenge for any top club, and Manchester United is no exception. Ten Hag's experience in guiding Ajax to the semifinals of the competition serves as an encouraging sign.

The Role of the Fans
The passionate Manchester United fan base, often referred to as the "Red Army," plays a crucial role in the club's identity and success. Their unwavering support, even during challenging times, is a testament to the strong bond between the club and its supporters. As Old Trafford fills with fans once again, the atmosphere promises to be electric and a driving force behind the team's resurgence.

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FAQs

Q1: When was Manchester United Football Club founded?
A1: Manchester United was founded in 1878 as Newton Heath LYR Football Club and later became Manchester United in 1902.

Q2: What is Manchester United's home stadium?
A2: Manchester United's home stadium is Old Trafford, located in Greater Manchester, England.

Q3: Who is the current manager of Manchester United?
A3: As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was the manager. Please note that this information may have changed since then.

Q4: What are Manchester United's major domestic and international achievements?
A4: Manchester United has won numerous domestic league titles, including the English Premier League, and has won the UEFA Champions League multiple times. They have also won the FA Cup, EFL Cup, and other domestic trophies.

Q5: Who are some of the legendary players associated with Manchester United?
A5: Some legendary players who have played for Manchester United include George Best, Sir Bobby Charlton, Ryan Giggs, Eric Cantona, and Cristiano Ronaldo, among others.

Q6: How can I buy tickets to Manchester United matches?
A6: Tickets for Manchester United matches can be purchased through the official club website or authorized ticket providers. Availability may vary, so it's advisable to check the club's official channels for the latest information.

Q7: What is Manchester United's official website?
A7: The official website of Manchester United is www.manutd.com.

Q8: How can I join the official Manchester United fan club?
A8: Information on joining the official Manchester United fan club, known as the "Manchester United Supporters' Club," can be found on the club's website.

Q9: What is the capacity of Old Trafford stadium?
A9: Old Trafford has a seating capacity of approximately 74,140 spectators.

Q10: How can I get in touch with Manchester United's customer support?
A10: Contact information for Manchester United's customer support can usually be found on their official website, including email addresses and phone numbers for inquiries.