Man Utd release Antony statement amid abuse allegations

Manchester United have issued a statement following allegations made by the former partner of Brazilian forward Antony.

Gabriela Cavallin claims she was the victim of several attacks from Antony, which include being headbutted, punched in the chest damaging a breast implant and Antony throwing a glass causing a cut finger.

The allegations , published by Brazilian website UOL, resulted in Antony being dropped by the Brazil for their upcoming fixtures against Bolivia and Peru, while Greater Manchester Police and Sao Paulo Civil Police are investigating the claims.

United had previously not commented on the matter, but on Wednesday released a statement saying: "Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony and notes that the police are conducting enquiries.

"Pending further information, the club will be making no further comments. As a club we are taking this matter seriously, with consideration of the impact of these allegations and subsequent reporting will have on survivors of abuse."

Meanwhile, Antony denied the allegations via a social media post: "Out of respect for my fans, friends and family, I feel obliged to speak out publicly about the false accusations I have been the victim of," he wrote.

“From the beginning I have treated this matter with seriousness and respect, providing the necessary clarifications before the police authority. The police investigation is under judicial secrecy, and therefore I cannot make its contents public.

“However, 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. My relationship with Gabriela was tumultuous, with verbal insults from both sides, but I never committed any physical aggression.

“At each moment, whether in testimony or in an interview, she presents a different version of the accusations. Therefore, I come to vehemently deny the accusations made and inform you that I remain at the entire disposal of the Brazilian authorities to clarify whatever is necessary. I trust that the ongoing police investigations will demonstrate the truth about my innocence."

United are under increased scrutiny following their handling of the Mason Greenwood saga, with club officials originally planning to reintroduce the 21-year-old into the squad, before a public backlash resulted in a U-turn from the United hierarchy.