Manchester United are still making changes to their senior-team squad as they just won their first game of the season. The Red Devils beat Fulham 1-0 in a late dramatic victory after Joshua Zirkzee scored from attacker Alejandro Garncho’s assist.
The game involved the debut of defenders Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt after their recent acquisition from Bayern Munich. Other surprises included the starting role for Amad Diallo and Mason Mount with Bruno Fernandes playing as the false nine.
Manager Erik ten Hag used Jadon Sancho in the false nine role during the pre-season tour due to a scarce frontline. Rasmus Hojlund suffered a hamstring injury while Zirkzee was unavailable for the pre-season tour in the United States of America.
However, Ten Hag opted to exclude Sancho from the matchday squad despite the lack of attacking options in the team. The situation created immediate speculation with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano addressing the uncertainty surrounding Sancho at Man United once again.
However, Ten Hag addressed Sancho’s unavailability (via Fabrizio Romano’s X account) while citing an ear infection as the primary reason. He said:
“Why Sancho out? Jadon in the week had an ear infection and was not 100 per cent fit. He could play but we made choices. That can change. There will be a decision, survival of the fittest. I can only put 20 players in the squad”.
Last season, Sancho and Ten Hag’s public spat caused a lot of off-field chaos for the club. The Red Devils cannot afford to have controversies as the recurring theme which destabilizes their campaign every time.
Furthermore, United signed Sancho for a huge price tag and keeping him secluded will only drop his price further. They need to make a final decision on the Englishman for the sake of all parties involved in the situation.
Erik ten Hag: “Why Sancho out? Jadon in the week had an ear infection and was not 100 per cent fit…”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 16, 2024
“He could play but we made choices. That can change”.
“There will be a decision, survival of the fittest. I can only put 20 players in the squad”. pic.twitter.com/nzDdL1hDio
United could either cover their losses and sell him immediately or he could compete with the current squad. Irrespective of anything, another half a season of isolation from football is problematic for both the club and the player.
More Manchester United News-
- Manchester United have gained a boost in their pursuit of a defensive transfer target
- Manchester United are interested in bringing in a former Barcelona starlet
- “I’m really confident” – Manchester United star rates his team’s chances of second Euros triumph at UEFA Euro 2024
If Sancho stays with the Red Devils, he could cover all the positions in the attacking third. This will benefit the team that has suffered greatly through the severe injury crisis last season.
