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Some Manchester United staff 'disagree with Erik ten Hag's Jadon Sancho stance'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 26 October 2023

Some Man United staff 'disagree with Ten Hag's Sancho stance'

Some members of Manchester United's staff believe that head coach Erik ten Hag should have handled the Jadon Sancho situation differently, according to a report.

Some members of Manchester United's staff allegedly believe that head coach Erik ten Hag should have handled the situation involving Jadon Sancho differently.

The 23-year-old has not featured for the Red Devils since the end of August due to his falling-out with Ten Hag, which stemmed from the forward being left out of the squad against Arsenal at the start of September.

Sancho was a notable absentee against the Gunners, and Ten Hag said in his post-match press conference that the England international was not selected due to some poor performances in training.

The former Manchester City youngster hit back on social media, claiming that he had been made "a scapegoat", effectively branding Ten Hag a liar for the Dutchman's comments.

Sancho has been removed entirely from the first-team picture, meaning that he is also not training with the senior side or using any of their facilities at the Carrington training complex.

Manchester United attacker Jadon Sancho on July 22, 2023 © Reuters

The situation is thought to have reached the point of no return, with Ten Hag not thought to be willing to accept an apology at this stage due to the length of time that has passed.

As a result, Sancho is widely expected to leave the club in January, with Borussia Dortmund seen as the favourites to re-sign him on loan, potentially for as long as 18 months.

According to The Athletic, there are some staff members at Old Trafford who believe that Ten Hag should have shown more sensitivity when dealing with the situation.

The report claims there is a belief among some at the club that Sancho responds better to a different style of management, but Ten Hag will not alter his stance, with the Dutchman not prepared to show weakness in fear that his authority could be undermined among the group.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag pictured before the match on October 21, 2023 © Reuters

Sancho allegedly receives his food from the training ground in a lunch box, as he is not allowed to enter the first-team canteen due to Ten Hag's approach.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the forward's career at Old Trafford is "90% over", with both parties expecting a January move.

Man United would reportedly ideally like to sell Sancho when the winter transfer window opens for business, but a permanent exit in January is unlikely due to complexities surrounding mid-season moves between major European clubs.

The Englishman has only managed 12 goals and six assists in 82 appearances for the Red Devils since making the move to the club from Dortmund in the summer of 2021.

However, the attacker, who will again be missing for Sunday's Manchester derby, still has three years left to run on his contract at Old Trafford, with the option of a further year.