Exiled forward Jadon Sancho may or may not play for Manchester United again, according to Erik ten Hag, who made this statement on Friday.
Since Ten Hag was offended by Sancho’s accusation that he was being used as a “scapegoat” following his dismissal from United’s first squad following a loss at Arsenal earlier in September, the England international has been sent to train apart from the first team.
Ten Hag has made hints that other incidents involving Sancho were also taken into account while determining the appropriate sentence.
Ten Hag said that Ten Hag was not in the proper physical or mental state to play for United, therefore the 23-year-old spent a portion of the previous season practicing alone in the Netherlands.
Prior to United’s Premier League match against Brighton on Saturday, the manager expressed uncertainty about the duration of Sancho’s disciplinary process and his future with the team.
Ten Hag said, “I don’t know,” when asked whether the former Borussia Dortmund player will wear the United jersey once again. I’m seated right now. We are starting a new block of games tomorrow, with a lot of games packed into a shorter schedule. Tomorrow is a major game. I concentrate on it.”
Sancho, who was said to be heading to Saudi Arabia before to the transfer deadline, is reportedly set to stay at United, at least until the January transfer market reopens.
Sancho, who was heralded as one of English football’s coming talents when he joined United from Dortmund in 2021, has seen a stunning decline in popularity.
Ten Hag, whose club has had a dismal start to the Premier League season, was visibly irritated at having to respond to so many inquiries about Sancho on the night of a crucial match.
Ten Hag said, “He is not available, so he is not important right now because he can’t contribute.”
Ten Hag was keen to emphasize that he was not concentrating on Sancho despite his claims that upon taking over United last year, he inherited a team with “no good culture.”
It works in the team’s advantage. That’s the foundation for my choice,” he said.
“To be blunt, it is not about me. Not at all. This is advantageous to the group. I don’t discuss or worry about it (Sancho’s tweet) because I have a game to win. That is the main focus.
“I owe everything to the guys who are here and accessible. It comes down to my having to lead them and getting them ready. I just pay attention to the guys who are available.”