Former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick defended the attitude of Jadon Sancho after he secured a move to Borussia Dortmund
Former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick backs Jadon Sancho after his loan deal to Borussia Dortmund, defending his disciplinary record. Sancho joined United under former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who received a sacking mid-way through Sancho’s very first season.
The 23-year-old played under Rangnick, appointed as an interim manager at United until Erik ten Hag took over permanently. Sancho and Ten Hag had a public spat earlier this season which led to Sancho’s banishment from the first-team facilities.
Ten Hag criticized Sancho’s training performances while explaining his exclusion from the matchday squad against Arsenal on 3rd September 2023. United lost the Premier League clash 3-1 against their rivals at the Emirates Stadium.
Sancho responded to the allegation through a now-deleted post, defending his work ethic and blaming Ten Hag for scapegoating him. The 23-year-old kept out of playing contention ever since despite United’s trouble in the attacking department.
Speaking to Sky Germany (h/t Manchester Evening News), Rangnick defended Sancho while citing their time together at United. He said:
“When he was fit, he was set and did well under me. He no longer had a chance in Manchester. He now has to get back into a rhythm and really into shape in Dortmund. From his point of view, the change makes perfect sense. In the six months I had him, there wasn’t a single discipline problem. On the contrary. He is a calm and pleasant guy.”
Ten Hag has faced criticism for handling players with bigger reputations since joining the Red Devils from Ajax. At Ajax, he generally worked with youngsters who lacked the ego and accommodated his tough disciplinary managerial style.
However, the Dutchman has struggled to apply similar man-management strategies at a club of United’s stature. Ten Hag publicly fell out with Cristiano Ronaldo leading to the United icon’s contract termination during the Dutchman’s first season.
On the other hand, the United boss has enjoyed the backing of the United hierarchy and many United fans. They argued against the power that players tend to enjoy in modern football, creating disharmony in the squad at times.
More Manchester United News-
- Manchester United to battle Arsenal for striker Erik ten Hag has already managed
- Jadon Sancho gives his first comments after Manchester United to Dortmund loan transfer
- Man United News: Pundit recalls a Jadon Sancho ‘red flag’ that stood out in a youth game
We think it is mutually beneficial that Sancho is now playing at a club where he enjoyed his football. Meanwhile, United can shift the focus back to football with the players they possess in the squad. The Red Devils lost 14 games from 29 matches in all competitions during the first half of the season. Ten Hag needs to finish the season strongly as the pressure continues to grow on him as the new era under Sir Jim Ratcliffe commences.
