Manchester United have denied covering up the allegation of assault against Antony.

The Brazilian, 23, has denied allegations made by his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin that he attacked her in a Manchester hotel room the day after United beat Manchester City 2-1 last season. The club insist they are “taking the matter seriously” but he remains available for selection by Erik ten Hag.

However, United have been accused of trying to cover up the alleged incident by Cavallin and her lawyers. Cavallin’s legal team claims that the club sent a player support officer to Manchester’s Hyatt Regency Hotel, where the alleged assault took place on January 15. It is alleged that the support officer tried to conceal the attack by calling a club doctor to assess Cavallin so that she wouldn’t go to a hospital and trigger any suspicion.

Reports in Brazil this week say that Sao Paulo Police have been asked to investigate the support officer's role in the incident. Lawyers are also said to have requested CCTV footage from the hotel.

READ MORE: Man Utd resist calls to suspend Antony and wait to see if he's charged over allegations

United have confirmed that a member of staff arranged for a doctor to see Cavallin at Antony’s request but denied she was treated by any of the club’s medical staff. It is reportedly common for United’s welfare staff to arrange for doctors to visit to see players’ partners and family members.

United insist no one at the club was aware of the assault allegations until they surfaced in the Brazilian media in June.

A club statement read: “Any suggestion that the club covered up these allegations is categorically false.”

In their initial statement, released on Wednesday, United said: “Manchester United acknowledges the allegations made against Antony and notes that the Police are conducting enquiries.

“Pending further information, the club will be making no further comments. As a club we are taking this matter seriously, with consideration of the impact of these allegations and subsequent reporting will have on survivors of abuse.”

United are understood to be waiting to see whether Greater Manchester Police charge Antony following the allegations before removing him from selection. Antony has already been removed from the Brazil national team for the upcoming international break against Bolivia and Peru in the opening World Cup qualifiers.

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