Sancho–Ten Hag war, departure in sight

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By: Manu Tournoux

Jadon Sancho’s public denial of Erik ten Hag’s remarks about his lack of intensity in training could earn him disciplinary action.

The England winger, who left Borussia Dortmund to join the Mancunian side in 2021, responded to the Dutchman’s remarks online and claimed he was being used as a ‘scapegoat’ by United. However, Ten Hag stands by his comments about the 23-year-old and United could take disciplinary action against Sancho.

Since joining Old Trafford, Ten Hag has earned a reputation as a strict disciplinary technician. Last year, following Cristiano Ronaldo’s heated interview with Piers Morgan, in which the Portuguese forward claimed he felt “betrayed” by the manager, Ronaldo’s contract was terminated. This summer, he fired David de Gea, United’s longest-serving player, and stripped Harry Maguire of his captaincy. Marcus Rashford was also benched by Ten Hag for the game against Wolves last December after the striker showed up late for a team meeting.

Sancho could well make the effort to reclaim his place in the squad, although it seems unlikely given the Englishman’s public statement. Ten Hag and Sancho have been at odds for weeks with the United manager unhappy with the winger’s performance in training. As a result, the 23-year-old was replaced on the substitutes’ bench on Sunday by young prospects Hannibal Mejbri and Dan Gore.

It’s debatable whether a transfer elsewhere is an option as the Saudi Pro League transfer window is about to close.

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