What Erik Ten Hag said about Antony’s form & Anthony Martial’s availability for Man Utd

Erik ten Hag has claimed Antony’s form has suffered following the allegations of domestic violence that were made against him earlier this season.

The Manchester United winger missed five matches when he took a period of absence in September following accusations made by former girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin, allegations the player has always denied.

Antony attended a voluntary interview with Greater Manchester Police and after no charges were levelled against the 23-year-old, United felt it was appropriate for him to return to the squad from 29 September, although Greater Manchester Police are still investigating the allegations.

According to Ten Hag, the ongoing issue has affected the player’s form. Antony has failed to register a single goal or assist this season and was mocked by Nottingham Forest fans in the recent 2-1 win at the City Ground, with chants of ‘what a waste of money’.

“I can explain,” the United boss said, when asked about Antony’s form. “I think it's very simple. I think his off field issues stop him playing. First year he was okay, in the pre-season he was very okay, first four games he was very good. 

“For instance I've seen the game against Spurs back and he played a very good game over there but from the moment off, he was out and then he came back , he didn't deliver the performance we should expect from him and he can do so much better. 

“You mention Ajax, I look back there so his effectiveness, and his end product was very high there and also in the Champions League very high. So I am sure he's capable of doing this, bringing key actions, key passes, the crosses, the finishing, so his end product in Ajax was very high and he should return to that level but Premier League is more difficult and he's capable of doing that. “It has had an effect,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ten Hag was asked about Anthony Martial, who has missed the last six games due to illness, with suggestions this week that it could prevent him leaving United during the January window. Ten Hag would ideally like to move the player on this month and admitted ahead of Sunday's clash against Tottenham that Martial is not currently available to play. “He's not fit,” the Dutchman explained.

“We want the players to be fit, and at this moment, he is not. We have to make him fit. It's his job as well. But in this moment he is having medical treatment and he has to recover.”