Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag highlighted the reason Jadon Sancho can leave during the January transfer window
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag explained the reason behind the continued banishment of Jadon Sancho. The Dutchman asserted that Sancho has control over his future whether he stays or leaves during the upcoming transfer window.
Ten Hag had a public fallout with Sancho after he criticized the 23-year-old for poor performances at the training ground. The criticism came after the loss against Arsenal in early September where Ten Hag excluded Sancho from the matchday squad.
The England international immediately retaliated to his manager’s criticism with a social media post defending his conduct in training. Furthermore, Sancho blamed Ten Hag for using him as a scapegoat after their 3-1 loss against the London rivals.
Manchester United star Jadon Sancho and manager Erik ten Hag have reached an “impasse” in their relationship. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
United backed their manager by banishing Sancho from the first-team facilities, with Ten Hag requiring an apology from Sancho. The 23-year-old has stood his ground ever since and refused to apologise to the manager for his conduct.
Speaking to reporters (h/t The Guardian), Ten Hag explained that Sancho could return if he apologises for his actions. He said:
“It is about a culture and every player has to match certain standards and it was about that. What will happen there, he knows what he has to do if he wants to return and it is up to him.”
Last season, the 53-year-old publicly addressed Sancho’s mental and physical issues that have plagued his tenure at the club. Reports claimed that Ten Hag made the problems public without having the permission of the club and the player.
However, the Dutchman maintained that he meant to encourage and help the struggling forward with his actions. Ten Hag praised Sancho’s ability during the pre-season after the 2-0 victory over Arsenal in a friendly match. The United boss shared his optimism for Sancho with the reporters (h/t Manchester United’s official site). He said:
“I think Jadon is the best in positions in central positions where he can get involvements and also when he played in wide areas. But, you know, when you’re playing with me in the wide areas, in the right setting, you also have the freedom in the right setting.”
🚨 Ten Hag when asked if Sancho will ever return to his squad: “Jadon knows what he has to do if he wants to return and it is up to him”.
“It’s about a culture and every player has to match certain standards and it was about that”. pic.twitter.com/oEFYclpTtC
United signed Sancho from the German club Borussia Dortmund for £73m during the summer of 2021. The 23-year-old earned a global reputation for his sensational performances while playing for Dortmund, being highly productive offensively. Nevertheless, the England international failed to replicate the same form after signing for the Red Devils.
The division between Ten Hag and Sancho has divided fans and experts, but nobody desires this issue to prolong further. As the 23-year-old’s future continues to remain uncertain, the Red Devils need to keep their focus on football during the congested fixture period.
