Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has claimed that off-the-field problems have played a major role in Antony's struggles during the 2023-24 campaign.
The 23-year-old scored eight times for the Red Devils during a productive first season, having arrived in a £86m move from Ajax in the summer of 2022.
The Brazil international has struggled this term, though, failing to score or register an assist in 21 appearances, and his form has been heavily criticised.
Ten Hag is of the opinion that issues in the forward's personal life have made it difficult for him to contribute this season, but the Dutchman is confident that he will soon return to his best form.
"I can explain. I think it's very simple: his off-field issues stop him playing," Ten Hag told reporters during his press conference on Friday afternoon when questioned on the South American's struggles.
"First year was okay, the pre-season was very okay, first four games was very good. For instance, I've seen the game against Spurs back and he played a very good game.
"But from the moment he was out and then he came back he didn't deliver the performance you should expect from him and he can do so much better.
"You mention Ajax, also I look back there: his effectiveness, his end product was higher and also Champions League, very high. He's capable of doing this, by bringing key actions, key passes, the crosses, the finishing, so his end product at 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, it has had an impact on him, definitely... We will give him all the support but he has to do better."
Antony is still being investigated by both the Greater Manchester Police and Sao Paulo Civil Police following accusations from his ex-girlfriend.
Gabriela Cavallin is claiming that the Man United and Brazil forward assaulted her on multiple occasions during their relationship, with the alleged incidents said to have happened in both Brazil and England.
Antony has always denied any form of physical violence towards Cavallin, while he has also claimed that his former partner had doctored WhatsApp messages.
The most serious claim involves an alleged incident in a Manchester hotel in January 2023, and he was given a leave of absence by Man United earlier this season before returning in October.
Antony, who is set to return to the Man United squad against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday after missing out against Wigan Athletic last time out due to a minor injury, has not been arrested or charged, and he is fully co-operating with the police in an attempt to prove his innocence. body check tags ::
