'The digital court is ruining lives!' - Man Utd winger Antony gives furious response to 'malicious criticism' as he insists he's still playing catch-up physically after missing U.S. pre-season tour

Antony has endured a difficult campaign and has come in for criticism after failing to produce a single goal or assist for Erik ten Hag's side. The Brazilian also missed a chunk of action after being given a leave of absence by his club during an investigation into domestic abuse allegations. Antony has since returned to the pitch, but has been unable to inspire a United side who have already lost six times in the Premier League and are on the brink of elimination from the Champions League.

Antony told The United Stand: "Today, I see criticism coming from former club players and other people in the media, who unreasonably express their opinions and influence thousands of fans, sometimes even when I do not play. But I've never seen them give constructive criticism, which will help me be a better professional. None of them have ever sent me a message to see how I am feeling, especially during this period of turbulence that I am going through. The 'digital court' is ruining lives; contexts are left aside, and the truth no longer matters."

The Brazilian also explained why he feels missing the club's pre-season tour of the U.S., due to an ankle injury, has affected his form for the Red Devils. "The Premier League has been the strongest worldwide for a long time," he added. "I grew tactically playing for Ajax and intend to develop even more for Manchester United. Both tactically and in statistics. I realised that the game is more dynamic in the Premier League, and we do not have time to think. The game requires focus on the physical and mental side. This is why it's essential to have a good pre-season, which I didn't have an opportunity to participate in. I'm trying to run against time to be at the same level as my team-mates."

Manchester United invested heavily to bring in Antony from Ajax in September 20202, but there has already been speculation the Red Devils want to offload him in January along with Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial. Questions have also been asked about why United opted to splash out such a huge fee to sign the Brazilian instead of going for a cheaper option such as Karou Mitoma, who has been starring at Brighton and would have cost a fraction of Antony's £85 million ($99m) price tag.

Antony is not the only person under scrutiny at Old Trafford currently. Manager Ten Hag is feeling the heat after a poor run of performances and results in his second full season in charge. The United boss has insisted he does have the backing of his squad, amid speculation to the contrary, and still believes he can turn a nightmare season around. The Red Devils are back in action on Wednesday against Chelsea in the Premier League.