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Manchester United announced on Friday that controversial Brazilian winger Antony would be returning to the team.
Over the summer, the 23-year-old was accused of domestic violence by multiple women. United originally removed Antony from the squad back on September 10.
In addition to Manchester United, the Brazilian National Team also made the decision to bar the winger from participating in team activities.
“Since allegations were first made in June, Antony has co-operated with police inquiries in both Brazil and the UK, and he continues to do so,” United’s official statement, which was published on Friday, reads.
“As Antony’s employer, Manchester United has decided that he will resume training at Carrington, and be available for selection, while police inquiries proceed. This will be kept under review pending further developments in the case. 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.”
The timing of the announcement is certainly interesting, as manager Erik Ten Hag has banished winger Jadon Sancho from the training ground despite the fact that he, unlike Antony, isn’t being investigated for alleged crimes.
Since being acquired from Dutch club Ajax — where he was coached by Ten Hag before moving to the Premier League — in a $100 million deal, Antony has scored just four Premier League goals for the club.
Antony’s return comes in the midst of a difficult start to the season for Manchester United, as the team currently sits ninth in the Premier League with three wins and three losses. This weekend, which will be Antony’s match first since returning to the team, will be against Crystal Palace, who they just beat in the Carabao Cup a few days prior.