Antony Returns to Carrington after his ‘Period of absence’ and set to feature in Man United squad vs Crystal Palace clash

Antony Returns to Carrington after his ‘Period of absence’ and set to feature in Man United squad vs Crystal Palace clash

The Brazilian winger was driven into Carrington in the back of a Mercedes van.

Antony has returned to training with Manchester United as the Brazilian winger returns to the fold amid domestic abuse allegations against him.

He was photographed arriving at the club’s Carrington training complex in the back of a blacked out Mercedes van on Saturday morning.

Antony will train while his team-mates take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.

The 23-year-old returned from South America on Tuesday, where he has been on fully-paid leave fighting allegations he attacked three women.

Antony voluntarily met with Greater Manchester Police for questioning on Thursday. He was not arrested or detained and went home without restrictions.

Antony has returned to training with Manchester United in the back of a Mercedes van on Saturday morning after he was cleared to return to the first-team squad.

The club cleared him to return to first-team duties with the women’s team also informed of his impending return to the training base.

United said in a statement that Antony’s situation ‘will be kept under review pending further developments in the case’.

It read: ‘Since allegations were first made in June, Antony has cooperated with police inquiries in both Brazil and the UK, and he continues to do so.

‘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.’

Manager Erik ten Hag on Friday insisted Antony’s return will not create a distraction. ‘Everything has been made clear in the statement,’ he said. ‘We will focus on the games. He will do as well.

‘I’ve spoken to him, but that doesn’t give the impression how he is, how his mental status is. I can’t tell at this moment.’

Man United fixtures
Premier League unless stated

Saturday Crystal Palace (H)

Tuesday Galatasaray (H)

Champions League group stage

October 7 Brentford (H)

October 21 Sheffield United (A)

October 24 Copenhagen (H)

Champions League group stage

October 29 Manchester City (H)

As revealed by Mail Sport, in a bid to ensure the women’s team felt comfortable at his return to the training ground, Mail Sport understands director of football John Murtough and chief communications officer Ellie Norman held a team meeting to explain the club’s reasoning.

Headed up by Norman, who arrived at United last year following four years in Formula One, the meeting went through the background and facts of Antony’s case, while also providing the learnings implemented from the handling of Mason Greenwood’s case.

It is understood players were offered one-to-one meetings if they wanted to discuss it further, but no issues were raised and Marc Skinner’s squad were said to be positive about the explanations provided.

Antony has missed the last four games since the international break after being dropped by Brazil and put on leave by United.