We can’t rely on him any longer. He needs to leave. His mind is not here with us and here is why. After what he told me, I decided to take him out of my plans this season”-Erik ten Hag finally breaks silence as he reveals what Jadon Sancho told him as he is set to leave the club
Sancho has been back in Manchester United’s first-team picture this summer, a year after his highly publicized fallout with manager Erik ten Hag, which led to him being sidelined from the first-team squad.
After spending the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, the London-born winger appeared to have reconciled with ten Hag, joining United’s pre-season tour in the United States. However, his future has come under scrutiny again after he was left out of the squad for United’s opening Premier League match against Fulham last Friday. Although Sancho had been dealing with an ear infection leading up to the game, ten Hag’s telling comment that he “preferred other players” hinted at underlying issues.
At Old Trafford, Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo, and Alejandro Garnacho currently rank ahead of Sancho in the pecking order, with Antony also vying for a place in the team.
According to RMC Sport, Juventus have now made a move to sign the United winger, with negotiations reportedly underway between the two clubs. The report suggests that United are seeking a transfer fee of around €30 million (£25 million) for Sancho. Chelsea and Barcelona have also been linked with an interest in the player.
During a press conference on Thursday afternoon, ten Hag did not confirm whether Sancho would be considered for selection in Saturday’s Premier League match against Brighton. However, he did issue a warning to Sancho and the rest of the squad, emphasizing the importance of accepting his tough decisions regarding team selection.
When asked if Sancho could be included in the squad this weekend, ten Hag said, “We will see. We have a squad, and I hope we will have a squad with double positions. When we move into the season after September 1, that means you can’t select all the players, but you need them all throughout the season.
“We have to manage it. The attitude of the players is very important. Sometimes they will be disappointed, but they have to deal with it. You win as a squad.
“The prizes are decided next May, and until then, we need all the players in the squad to be highly motivated. That is not just an expectation; it is a demand on the squad.”
Jadon Sancho’s future at Manchester United remains uncertain as the new season begins. After a tumultuous year, including a public fallout with Erik ten Hag and a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, Sancho returned to Manchester United’s first-team setup this summer. However, his exclusion from the squad for the opening Premier League match against Fulham, despite an ear infection, has reignited speculation about his status at the club. Ten Hag’s comment that he “preferred other players” suggests that Sancho may still face challenges in securing regular playing time.
Sancho is reportedly behind Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Antony in the pecking order for wide attacking roles. Juventus has shown serious interest in signing the winger, with negotiations between the clubs reportedly ongoing. Manchester United is said to be seeking a fee of around €30 million (£25 million) for Sancho. Chelsea and Barcelona have also been linked with the player.
During a recent press conference, Ten Hag hinted at the competition within the squad, emphasizing the importance of players accepting his decisions. When asked about Sancho’s potential inclusion in the upcoming match against Brighton, Ten Hag remained non-committal, stressing that all players must be ready to contribute throughout the season, regardless of temporary setbacks or disappointment.
The next few weeks could be crucial in determining whether Sancho stays at Old Trafford or moves elsewhere, with Juventus emerging as a serious contender for his signature.
