Erik ten Hag has left the door ajar for Jadon Sancho to resurrect his career at Manchester United. However, the manager emphasized that Sancho’s success hinges on his willingness to embrace the distinct culture fostered within the club.
Since August, Jadon Sancho has been absent from Manchester United’s lineup, marking a hiatus that coincided with a discord between him and manager Erik ten Hag in early September. The rift emerged when Sancho, reacting to remarks made by the manager about his training performances, asserted that he had been unfairly labeled a “scapegoat.”
Despite Jadon Sancho deleting the initial social media post, he has yet to issue the apology demanded by Erik ten Hag. Additionally, Sancho has persisted in training in isolation from the team.
Having netted 24 goals in 92 appearances since his £73 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, Jadon Sancho’s future at Manchester United seems uncertain. While a January move could align with the interests of all parties involved, Erik ten Hag, when directly questioned about whether Sancho’s time at the club was over, asserted that the decision still rested in the hands of the player.
“It is about a culture and every player has to match certain standards and it was about that,” the manager said. “What will happen there, he knows what he has to do, if he wants to return it is up to him. He knows what he has to do, it is up to him.”
Since his arrival in Manchester 18 months ago, Erik ten Hag has been steadfast in his mission to enhance discipline within the club. A tangible instance of this commitment emerged during the summer tour of 2022 when young winger Alejandro Garnacho was dropped for arriving late to meetings. This disciplinary measure, however, proved to be a valuable lesson for the 19-year-old.
In the aftermath, Garnacho has blossomed into one of the squad’s standout performers in recent weeks. This positive development coincided with Erik ten Hag receiving the Premier League Manager of the Month award for November, and Harry Maguire securing Player of the Month honors. Notably, Garnacho completed the trifecta by clinching Goal of the Month with his remarkable bicycle kick at Everton. This sequence underscores Ten Hag’s impact on both discipline and player development within the club.
“There is big potential and there is a lot to build on but we are happy with his performing in this moment and happy with his contribution,” Ten Hag said.
“The foundation and basis is always the defending part of his game but attacking-wise he has the key actions – assists, counter-attacks and scoring goals, that is very important for an offensive player that you have the production.”
Alejandro Garnacho’s impressive form on the left flank coincided with Marcus Rashford’s ongoing struggle for form. Rashford faced the consequences of his performance as he was dropped for the midweek 2-1 victory over Chelsea. This decision followed criticisms of Rashford’s defensive contributions in the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle the previous weekend.
Erik ten Hag asserted that the onus is on the England forward to reclaim his spot in the side. Despite the recent criticisms, Ten Hag refuted claims that Rashford lacked diligence in tracking back, emphasizing that Rashford knows what is expected and has the ability to fulfill defensive responsibilities. The manager’s comments highlight the competitive environment within the squad and the individual responsibilities each player bears in shaping their role on the team.
“‘Rashy’ knows exactly what to do, nowadays in football it is not possible,” he said. “All top-level teams and all players are doing the jobs. When you can’t do it you will not play but I don’t attach that to ‘Rashy’ as he is doing the job.”
A potential comeback for Marcus Rashford is uncertain, as he is doubtful for Saturday’s match against Bournemouth. This uncertainty arises from his absence during Friday’s training session due to illness, adding an additional layer of challenge for Rashford’s return to the squad.
