In a season filled with unforeseen challenges both on and off the pitch, the most unexpected twist for Manchester United has been the ongoing saga surrounding Antony.
Domestic violence allegations have mired the Brazilian winger in a complex “he said, she said” legal battle, prompting the club to grant him an extended leave until a verdict is reached.
Recent revelations, however, suggest that this entire predicament might have been averted through more diligent pre-signing scrutiny.
According to James Ducker of The Telegraph, Antony had been under investigation in relation to these allegations since May 2022, several months before his arrival at Old Trafford.
Throughout the summer, Manchester United ardently pursued the then-Ajax player, marking him as Erik ten Hag’s premier target for the right-wing position.
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Ultimately, Antony was secured in a high-profile transfer deal worth nearly £85 million, raising eyebrows across the footballing world.
The key question remains whether Manchester United were aware of these ongoing investigations during the acquisition process. If they were, it would raise concerns about the club’s due diligence and research efforts.
This would mark the second instance of such concerns in a relatively short span. Earlier, reports emerged regarding Jadon Sancho’s professionalism issues during his Borussia Dortmund tenure. Despite these concerns, Manchester United proceeded with his signing.
The combination of these revelations, alongside the recent Antony controversy, casts a spotlight on Manchester United’s recruitment strategy, which has faced criticism for its heavy reliance on Erik ten Hag.
As of the latest update, Antony remains on an extended leave from the club, with investigations into the allegations against him ongoing.
