The ongoing police investigations surrounding Manchester United winger Antony could complicate any potential moves the club might make to sell the Brazil international this summer.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Sao Paulo Civil Police are still investigating assault allegations against Antony made by his former girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin, allegations that Antony vehemently denies.
While Antony is a player United are open to selling this summer, the club is not actively looking to push the £85.5 million winger out at this stage. However, this stance could change depending on the future of manager Erik ten Hag, who pushed for Antony’s arrival from Ajax in September 2022, only for the player to fall short of expectations at Old Trafford.
Even if United decide to cut their losses on Antony, sources indicate that the assault allegations present a major obstacle to a potential sale this summer, unless the case is dropped or the player is cleared before then.
Antony and his representatives maintain his innocence and believe he will be vindicated. Cavallin has alleged she was assaulted by Antony on several occasions in Brazil and the UK between June 2022 and May last year.
If United were to sell Antony, they would likely have to accept a significant loss on the £85.5 million fee they paid Ajax, making him the second most expensive signing in the club’s history at the time.
The Brazilian has struggled for form, managing just one goal and one assist since May, both in an FA Cup tie against League Two Newport County. Ten Hag has acknowledged the impact of the allegations on Antony’s form but has called on him to “step up” and deliver.
The future of another forward, Mason Greenwood, is also likely to impact the squad’s reshaping.
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