Erik ten Hag has given Jadon Sancho a “new position” at Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag, manager of Manchester United, has explained what role Jadon Sancho will play in his team after returning to action against Nottingham Forest.
In Wednesday’s 2-0 triumph at Old Trafford, the 22-year-old made his first appearance since October, coming off the bench.
Anthony Martial and Fred scored in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, giving the Red Devils a 5-0 aggregate triumph and a return to Wembley for the first time since 2018.
Ten Hag will need as many players as possible available for a crucial match against Newcastle United later this month.
Sancho’s return will help him, as the England international replaced Antony midway through the first half.
Despite the fact that Bruno Fernandes was still on the field, Sancho took a more central role when he came on. Sancho played just behind Martial in attack, while Fernandes moved to the right wing.
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In his post-match interview, Ten Hag was asked about the tactical decision, suggesting Sancho can play the number 10 role in the future.
“Jadon, I know he can play as a 10 as well. He can play as a winger – he can play as a 10 – but often we mix it around and that is what I like. The position has to be occupied and it’s about the players keeping discipline to do that.”
“I know Jadon can play as a 10 as well. He can play as a winger or a 10; however, we frequently mix it up, which I enjoy. The role must be filled, and the players must maintain discipline to do so.”
Donny van de Beek, Fernandes’ natural backup, is out for the season after suffering a knee injury against Bournemouth last month.
It means Sancho might be crucial in United’s quest for their first trophy since 2017.
When the former Borussia Dortmund player took the field, he was greeted with a spine-tingling reception from the home crowd. Ten Hag and he both had a wide smile on their faces.
“Most important players enjoy football, which gives them energy and inspiration to act and perform,” the Dutchman concluded.
I believe the fans’ reaction to him was fantastic, and it will give him even more motivation to keep acting the way he is now. He’s just begun again, the restart, he’s back at Carrington for two weeks, we see that smile, and hopefully he can keep it and contribute to the squad.
“He has really high standards, great capabilities to contribute to our team, especially now the team is improving, we’re playing more in the opposition half, his capabilities come in more in front and come in more, he can have more touches on the ball, that is what his game gives the best performances, the best platform to perform.”
