Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has claimed that the "noise" surrounding Antony has played a major role in the forward's disappointing start to the campaign.

The 23-year-old is yet to register a goal or an assist in 10 appearances for the Red Devils this season, and he again struggled to make his mark against Newcastle United in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, with Man United exiting the competition courtesy of a 3-0 loss.

Antony was recently given a leave of absence to deal with allegations of abuse which have been levelled towards him by his ex-girlfriend and at least one other woman.

The forward has been questioned by both the Greater Manchester Police and Sao Paulo Civil Police following accusations from his former partner Gabriela Cavallin.

Cavallin is claiming that the former Ajax forward assaulted her on multiple occasions during their relationship, with the alleged incidents said to have happened in both Brazil and England.

The most serious claim involves an alleged incident in a Manchester hotel in January, but Antony has maintained his innocence and is believed to be fully co-operating with police.

The forward has not been arrested or charged, and his return to action came off the bench against Galatasaray in the Champions League at the start of October.

Antony has found it difficult to influence recent matches, though, and Ten Hag has admitted that the "noise" surrounding him has had a huge impact on his form.

"The team is not playing well when we don't bring him the balls and I am also responsible for that," the Manchester Evening News quotes the Man United head coach as saying.

"But obviously, there was also a lot of noise and that dropped his levels. He can do better but all the players can do better.

"Antony is also a fighter, he has the confidence, he is brave and I am confident he will bring the performance that he is the right player for us."

Antony arrived at Old Trafford in an £87m deal from Ajax in the summer of 2022, but he has largely struggled to make his mark, only managing eight goals and three assists in 54 appearances.

The forward was only introduced for the final stages of the Manchester derby last weekend and showed his frustration on the bench at not being brought on at an earlier stage.

Ten Hag must now decide whether Antony has done enough to retain his spot in the side for Saturday's Premier League clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage. body check tags ::