Erik ten Hag explains the Reason Behind Jadon Sancho’s Omission from the Manchester United Squad
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag defended his choice to send Jadon Sancho abroad for a particular training program earlier this season, citing the player’s development.
Erik ten Hag argues that removing Jadon Sancho from the first-team picture at Manchester United was the correct move and that he is now “in a better place.”
Recently, the forward resumed playing after enduring an extensive period of specialized preparation. It rendered him ineligible for selection, but Sancho is now back and pressing for inclusion after scoring the equalizer against Leeds last week.
Prior to that, Sancho hadn’t been in the Premier League since October, while Ten Hag utilized his other attacking options. The Dutchman has now pushed the Englishman to stake his claim for more first-team participation following his absence.
He stated to Sky Sports, “He is maturing.” He is unquestionably in a better position than he was two or three months ago. While he was gone from the squad, I believe he made the correct option.
“He worked hard on himself and now he is back. Now he has to find himself back in the team. That has to go step-by-step, now he’s coming from the bench, so I hope he can make the next steps.”
Sancho scored his fourth goal of the season against Leeds as he strives to become a regular. His high-priced transfer from Borussia Dortmund to England just over 18 months ago was accompanied by high expectations, but the player has been relatively inconsistent since his return.
Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Anthony Martial have been frequently selected by Ten Hag, and Sancho must also contend with Alejandro Garnacho. Ten Hag was effusive in his appreciation for his player following his midweek appearance.
Jadon Sancho rejoins the team after Erik ten Hag sent him away.
He said: “I think it’s in his own hands. So if he wants, he can do – and this team is great to play in. It will give you joy but I really enjoy seeing him play the way he did with so much confidence, with so much belief, really direct. It was great to see him play in this attack.
“It’s clear it’s a difficult period that he finds himself out of. I’m pleased and I’m proud he did it. So I will back him, the coaches will back him, the team is backing him and supporting him in this process and finally he has to do it by himself.”
Sancho expressed his elation on social media following his return and goal in the league earlier this week: “I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed this feeling! The team’s tenacity to stay in the game was exemplary; we play again this weekend.”
