As both parties look towards a resolution, Jadon Sancho has deleted his inflammatory statement on Twitter.
Sancho claimed he was being made a “scapegoat”, following the comments of Erik Ten Hag, after Manchester United’s 3-1 loss to Arsenal.
Ten Hag said that Jadon Sancho was dropped from the squad for the Arsenal game due to “his performance in training”.
Erik Ten Hag said: “On his performance on training we didn’t select him. You have to reach the level every day at Manchester United.”
The Dutch manager also stressed the leverage Manchester United have, due to a considerable amount of options available for selections.
He said: “and we can make choices in the front line. So for this game he was not selected.”
Sancho made 41 appearances for Manchester United last season, scoring 7 goals and providing 3 assists across all competitions.
Erik Ten Hag also handed the 23-year-old three months away from the first team last winter to allow him to improve physically and mentally.
Jadon Sancho spent quality time in the Netherlands working on an individual training program with coaches suggested to him by Ten Hag.
The former Ajax boss has shown Sancho his back over time, but it appears the Englishman hasn’t reciprocated his actions as he would have loved.
Following his return to action in February, Erik Ten Hag lauded him and said: “He’s growing. He’s definitely in a better place than two or three months ago.
“When he was away from the team, I think it was the right decision from him to do it.”
The England international has made 3 substitute appearances for Manchester United this season, and he is yet to find the back of the net or provide any assist.
Jadon Sancho statement on Twitter
In his now-deleted statement released on Sunday, September 3, 2023, Jadon Sancho wrote:
“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.
He additionally wrote:
“I have 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 my team.”
Sancho also made it clear that he respects all the decisions made by the coaching staff of Manchester United, and he would continue “to fight for this badge no matter what.”
Erik Ten Hag and Jason Sancho were reportedly set for decision talks on Monday, September 11, 2023.
They were set to discuss the future of the winger to ascertain if they could reconcile their differences and work together.
However, on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, Jadon Sancho deleted the statement that he shared on his X account (formerly known as Twitter).
Ten Hag was shocked by the route taken by Sancho, in releasing the inflammatory statement, as he was only trying to motivate the winger.
Reports indicate that the 53-year-old believes the situation had been blown out of proportion, as they can still settle their differences.
Following the back and forth which has seemingly been fuelled by the media, Sancho was linked with a potential departure from Manchester United.
The attacker was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, with Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq reportedly interested in signing him.
However, the deal collapsed after the Pro League club couldn’t reach an agreement with the Reds Devils over a transfer fee when his loan deal comes to an end.
Manchester United right-wing issues?
Manchester United might not be thinking about his departure any longer due to the scarcity of right-wingers at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils are currently short of three wingers, due to several reasons. Mason Greenwood joined Getafe on loan on September 1, 2023.
Antony is currently dealing with personal issues due to allegations of assault, and he has agreed with Manchester United to delay his return “until further notice”, to address the issues he is embroiled in.
Amad Diallo is currently recuperating from a leg injury that he sustained against Arsenal in a pre-season friendly played in America, on July 22, 2023.
Manchester United learn from Mason Greenwood mistake
Meanwhile, Manchester United have reportedly learned from their mistakes regarding Mason Greenwood, and as such they have understood how to handle the allegations regarding Antony.
Women’s Aid have lauded the Old Trafford club for their timely action on the Brazilian, as he was expected to return to the club on Monday, September 11, 2023.
The club have had lengthy discussions with Women’s Aid and other charities about how to deal with similar situations that would arise in the future.
The club did not expect another issue to crop up so quickly, however, their manner of handling the Antony issue has been praised.
Manchester United had initially planned to integrate Mason Greenwood into the squad, but following serious criticisms, they changed their plans and instead loaned him to Getafe.
Anyway, huge pointers are indicating that Greenwood might be back to representing the English giants in the 2024/25 season.
The 21-year-old has had a fanfare welcome in Spain, and he has been impressive in training for Getafe.
Mason Greenwood should make his debut for Pepe Bordalas’s side on Sunday, September 17, 2023, as they welcome Osasuna to the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez.
