Erik ten Hag has blamed Antony‘s loss of form this season on allegations of domestic violence against the Manchester United winger, but says the player has to accept some responsibility for his turbulent private life.

Antony was dropped by Brazil in September and missed five games for United in the wake of the accusations made by his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin.

Two more women came forward with similar claims, but one has since withdrawn her claim.

The 23-year-old winger attended a voluntary interview with police in Sao Paolo and Manchester but he has not been arrested or charged with any crime, and denies all the allegations.

Greater Manchester Police said this week that investigations are ongoing.

Manchester United’s £85m winger Antony hasn’t scored or supplied an assist this season

United manager Erik ten Hag has blamed his poor form on the domestic abuse allegations he is facing – but has told the Brazilian he must ‘sort out’ problems in his private life

Gabriela Cavallin claims Antony attacked her on four occasions, including twice in the UK

Antony has been criticised this season for failing to contribute a single goal or assist in 21 games for United.

As he prepares to return to action against Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday, Ten Hag blamed the off-the-field problems for his failure to reproduce the form that persuaded Ajax to pay £86million last year.

‘I can explain,’ said Ten Hag. ‘I think it’s very simple. I think his off-field issues stop him playing. It has had an effect, they have had an impact on him, definitely.

‘So he has to deal with that, so he caused them, so he has to sort them out. We will give him all the support but he has to do better.

‘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, 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.

Antony has struggled for form throughout his second season at Manchester United

‘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.’