Victor Lindelof has become the first Manchester United player to publicly comment on the ongoing situation surrounding Jadon Sancho.
Sancho was notably absent from United’s squad in their 3-1 loss to Arsenal last Sunday, even though he was fit and available for selection.
Manager Erik ten Hag stirred controversy during his post-match press conference by revealing that Sancho had been omitted due to not meeting the expected training standards.
“We didn’t select him,” the Dutchman explained.
“You have to reach a level every day at Manchester United and we can make choices on the frontline, so for this game he wasn’t selected.”
Sancho hit back, claiming the comments from his boss were untrue and that he has “been a scapegoat” in a detailed social media statement.
He wrote: “Please don’t believe everything you read! I will not allow people saying things that is completely untrue, I have conducted myself in training very well this week.
“I believe there are other reasons for this matter that I won’t go into, I’ve been a scapegoat for a long time which isn’t fair!
“All I want to do is play football with a smile on my face and contribute to the team. I respect all decisions that are made by the coaching staff, I play with fantastic players and I am grateful to do so, which I know every week is a challenge. I will continue to fight for this badge no matter what!”
The England international’s future has been called into question as a result and defender Lindelof was the first to comment on the matter while on international duty with Sweden.
The former Benfica man remained tight-lipped and also touched on speculation surrounding his own future.
As perFabrizio Romano,Lindelof said: “Sancho? Many things are written about United and it will always be like that. We are a united group. I don’t think about it.
“I love Manchester United and I still have a contract. So I can say that my exit this summer wasn’t close at all.”
Sancho was the subject of an offer from Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq on the Saudi Pro League’s transfer deadline day but the club could not afford United’s demands.
A new report from ESPN claims Ten Hag has not felt need to clarify or tone down his remarks and, citing one source, states that “the players have had enough of him”.
Sancho joined United from Borussia Dortmund in in 2021 for a fee of £73 million but has scored just 12 times.