From Dortmund’s star boy to United outcast: What’s wrong with Sancho?
Have you ever felt you are too good to be left out or you are trying your best but it just doesn’t just reach expectations? You are not alone as Jadon Sancho is another person that feels same way and know all about that feeling.
It seems Sancho joined the wrong team back in the summer of 2021 as his footballing career appears to be stagnant since his argument with Ten Hag began after United’s 3-1 loss to Arsenal on September 3rd and hasn’t shown any signs of ending.
“Jadon, on his performances in training we did not select him, “You have to reach a level every day at Manchester United and we can make choices in the front line. So for this game he was not selected.” Ten Hag told reporters after the loss against Arsenal.
Sancho did not waste any time to hit back at his manager via social media. He wrote: “Please don’t believe everything you read! I will not allow people saying things that (are) completely untrue. 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, 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. I respect all decisions that are made by the coaching staff, I play with fantastic players and [I’m] grateful to do so which I know every week is a challenge. I will continue to fight for this badge no matter what!” Ten Hag who was angered by Sancho’s response has since refused to play him.
It is believed that if the player apologises to Ten Hag, he will be able to come in from the cold—but only if the apology is sincere. Despite requests from club officials and his own teammates, Sancho has so far refused to provide his manager the apology he so wants and is not showing any indications of giving in.
Since he has been training alone for the past six weeks, there is a growing suspicion that even if he were to express regret at this point, Ten Hag might not find it acceptable because he is already below the pecking order as the coach prefers Antony and Garnacho in attack.
Two and a half years after his high-profile transfer from Borussia Dortmund, United are likely consider offers for the England international in January if the situation is still unresolved.
If it means supporting Ten Hag, who was brought in to restore discipline that had deteriorated under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick, United appears to be willing to accept a large loss on Sancho.
Sancho scored 50 goals and made 64 assists in 137 games for Borussia Dortmund between 2017 and 2021 which prompted Manchester United to spend £73million to bring him to Old Trafford. However, he has struggled since the big money switch scoring just nine goals and providing six assists in 58 Premier League games and in the process have been dropped from England national team by Gareth Southgate.
Although tactical choices and positional competition may have an impact on the 23-year-old’s form and role at United, it’s also crucial to keep in mind that things can change very fast in football.
It seems the England international’s future at Manchester United is in the balance because United might be willing to listen to offers for him from January even if its for a loan deal for the main time.
By Chimezie Amos
