Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has spoken about Jadon Sancho after the winger was put on a personal training program and had a public disagreement with the manager.
Sancho’s omission from the matchday squad against Arsenal led to a public dispute between him and Ten Hag, with the manager stating that the decision was based on Sancho’s subpar training performances, a claim that Sancho disputed on social media.
Reports suggested that the two were set to have “clear-the-air talks,” and Sancho’s deletion of his post on Tuesday appeared to indicate a positive resolution to their discussions. Ten Hag’s comments may provide further insight into their ongoing relationship.
But according toSky Sports, Ten Hag wanted the 23-year-old to apologise for his post – something which Sancho failed to do. It is claimed that the Dutchman is unwilling integrate the player until he apologises.
On Thursday, United released a short club statement thatread: “Jadon Sancho will remain on a personal training programme away from the first team group, pending resolution of a squad discipline issue.”
A report from theManchester Evening Newsclaims Sancho is ‘open to leaving’ Old Trafford in January if he isn’t playing.
Now, Ten Hag has broken his silence on the matter.
🗣️ “The squad is in good spirit, good mood to go into the game.”
Erik ten Hag when asked about the situation with Jadon Sancho 🔴 pic.twitter.com/SiBowADF6H
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) September 15, 2023
🗣️ “We deserved a lot more at Arsenal. You can see we are progressing against a good Arsenal.”
Erik ten Hag felt the minimum that Manchester United deserved at Emirates was a draw pic.twitter.com/w1p8PYG2Rr
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) September 15, 2023
Ten Hag breaks silence on Sancho
Speaking in his press conference ahead of United’s Premier League clash against Brighton this weekend, Ten Hag was asked about the Sancho row and what will happen in the short-term.
He said: “We work on the feedback, give the team feedback. I think we played very well against Arsenal. We trained very well, we worked very well. At minimum, we had to get a draw there, I think we should have won there. But we didn’t.
“We are ready to fight Brighton, and we have a lot of energy. We have a good fight, so we are ready for it.”
When pressed on Sancho again, he added: “I think everything’s been said. As I said, the squad is strong, the squad is in a good spirit, a good mood. And we go into the game.
“You have sometimes setbacks in situations, players are injured or other players are for some reason unavailable. That’s why you construct a squad. The squad is very good, players that are available are very motivated and to put in a good performance.”
When asked if he felt he had a duty to be a ‘father figure’ to some of United’s players, he said: “With this generation, it’s about team construction and the group dynamic. It’s always about the team – the team is ahead of anything else.
“But in the team, everyone plays his role, everyone is different, there are different characters. You have to manage those characters. But the team is above anything else.
“The club asked me, because there was a no-good culture before last season, to set some standards. That’s what I did. It’s my job to control the standards.
“For players and staff, if there is a structure, they cross lines, you have to be strong.”