Man United are accused of covering up £85m star Antony’s assault allegations by ex-girlfriend’s lawyers, as she leaks WhatsApp messages and claims she was treated by team doctors – but club insist her claims are ‘categorically FALSE’

Manchester United are accused of trying to cover up allegations that Brazilian star Antony assaulted his ex-girlfriend.

The allegation was made by Gabriela Cavallin and her lawyers to the Sao Paulo Civil Police, who are investigating the allegations of assault along with Greater Manchester Police.

United described any suggestion of a cover-up as “categorically false” on Wednesday night.

Cavallin claims the club sent senior player support officer Daniele Bertoli to the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Manchester, where it is alleged that Antony assaulted his then-girlfriend on January 15.

She says the 23-year-old headbutted her and then caused one of her breast implants to dislodge by forcefully throwing her onto the bed and falling on top of her. She claims she needed reconstructive surgery and also suffered a cut on her head.

Cavallin’s legal team claims Bertoli tried to cover up the attack by calling a club doctor to assess her so she wouldn’t go to a hospital and arouse any suspicion.

Reports in Brazil on Wednesday claimed they have asked Sao Paulo police to investigate Bertoli’s role in the incident, and lawyers have also requested CCTV footage from the hotel.

United confirmed on Wednesday evening that a member of staff had arranged for a private doctor to see Cavallin at Antony’s request, but denied that she had been treated by any of the club’s medical staff.

It is common practice for United’s welfare team to arrange for doctors to see partners and relatives of players.

The club insists it was unaware of the assault allegations against Antony until they appeared in Brazilian media in June.

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

Antony has denied Cavallin’s claims that he assaulted her four times and volunteered for an interview in June. United have also said they will cooperate with any police investigations.

The club has resisted calls from domestic violence campaigners to suspend the player, although manager Erik ten Hag has the option to rest Antony and shield him from the spotlight when his team return to action against Brighton in nine days .

United issued a brief statement on Wednesday saying: ‘Manchester United acknowledge the allegations against Antony and note that police are investigating. Pending further information, the club will not comment further.

“As a club we take this matter seriously, taking into account the impact of these allegations and the subsequent coverage that will have on survivors of abuse.”

United have been advised to proceed with caution as police investigations are ongoing in both Britain and Brazil.

The club has sought to learn from criticism over its dealings with Mason Greenwood, who was suspended for 18 months and loaned to Getafe last week after being charged with attempted rape and assault. Greenwood denies the allegations and the Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges in February.

United spoke to officials from the Professional Footballers’ Association on Wednesday and has also taken advice from Women’s Aid in recent weeks.

Teresa Parker, head of media at Women’s Aid, who developed the Football United Against Domestic Violence campaign, said: “We have spoken to Manchester United over the past few weeks and recently met with them to talk about the work we are doing at the club. charities and in our football campaign.

‘Sharing insights and knowledge is important to create an understanding of domestic violence, which can then be included in future decision-making.

“At Women’s Aid, we welcome these conversations and value building relationships that we hope will have a positive impact in the future.”