Jadon Sancho’s return to Manchester United has been put on hold, according to Erik ten Hag, until the troubled English forward makes physical and mental progress.
Since United’s 1-1 Premier League tie against Chelsea on October 22, Sancho has not appeared for the team.
In addition to missing United’s training camp in Spain last week, the 22-year-old was left off of England’s World Cup roster.
Since joining United in 2021 for £73 million ($90 million), Sancho has struggled to consistently deliver for the team. He formerly played for Borussia Dortmund.
After missing a penalty during England’s shootout loss to Italy in the European Championship final last year, he also encountered racist taunts.
United manager Ten Hag said he had seen a further dip in Sancho’s confidence after he was axed from the England squad for the Nations League matches in September.
“Sometimes there are circumstances with fitness and mood,” Ten Hag told reporters. He wasn’t in the proper status or level of fitness.
Sancho made eight appearances this season, scoring three goals, but he was unavailable for United’s final four matches before the World Cup break and erased all of his social media accounts after England’s snub.
Ten Hag claimed that Sancho has been pursuing his own fitness regimen while hiring a Dutch fitness trainer who has experience working with the Dutchman.
Jadon and I have spoken on numerous occasions. We are working to get him back as soon as possible while he is on a physical program, but I am unable to predict when that will be, Ten Hag added.
After the World Cup, United will resume play on December 21 against Burnley in the League Cup’s round of 16.
Ten Hag acknowledged that Sancho might not play right away since he still has a lot of work to do.
“He played several good games when the league first started, but then the levels dropped. Sometimes, you’re not sure what’s causing it or why,” he added.
Most of the time, it progresses gradually. You may first see, but the statistics support it. He had goals and assists at the beginning of the season, but his crucial moments and crucial actions decreased over time.
It combines both physical and mental aspects. We’re working to find him and bring him home. Jadon and I have spoken on numerous occasions. We are working to get him back as soon as possible while he is on a physical program, but I am unable to predict when that will be, Ten Hag added.
After the World Cup, United will resume play on December 21 against Burnley in the League Cup’s round of 16.
Ten Hag acknowledged that Sancho might not play right away since he still has a lot of work to do.
“He played several good games when the league first started, but then the levels dropped. Sometimes, you’re not sure what’s causing it or why,” he added.
Most of the time, it progresses gradually. You may first see, but the statistics support it. He had goals and assists at the beginning of the season, but his crucial moments and crucial actions decreased over time.
It combines both physical and mental aspects. We’re working to find him and bring him home.
