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| Jadon Sancho of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea FC at Old Trafford on May 25, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) |
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said Jadon Sancho “knows what he has to do” if the winger is to salvage his career under the Dutchman at Old Trafford.
Sancho, who cost United £73 million ($92 million) when he
moved from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, has been in exile since he was cast aside
by Ten Hag in September.
The England international was told to train on his own after
posting on social media that he had been made a “scapegoat” by his manager.
A January move would appear to suit all parties, but United
would face having to take a massive loss on any transfer fee and potentially
subsidise Sancho’s reported £350,000-a-week wages.
However, Ten Hag said the door is still open to the
23-year-old if he is willing to toe the line set by the former Ajax boss.
“It is about a culture and every player has to match certain
standards and it was about that,” said Ten Hag.
“What will happen there? He knows what he has to do. If he
wants to return, it is up to him.”
Sancho has scored 12 goals in 82 appearances for United but
his absence has opened the door for Alejandro Garnacho to feature more
regularly in recent months.
Garnacho was selected ahead of Marcus Rashford for
Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Chelsea and set up the winning goal for Scott
McTominay.
“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 added.
“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.”