(Football news) It’s fair to say that Jadon Sancho’s Manchester United career has been very underwhelming so far. The 22 year old moved from Borussia Dortmund for £73m and hasn’t featured for the Red Devils since playing for 52 minutes in a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in October. He was subsequently left out of England’s squad for the 2022 World Cup and has been training separately in the Netherlands in a personalised program. Ten Hag went on to say that Sancho was “not in the right status or fitness state” but the player has now returned to Carrington but continues to be sidelined.
“I would like to have Jadon back as soon as possible, but I can’t force this process. I will do everything that’s in my power but some processes you can’t force and this is one of them. I also have to show patience although I don’t have patience because we have a lack of opportunities in the front line, players who are available and capable to contribute not only in the Premier League but on the highest standard in football. Jadon is one who, when he is fit, he will contribute and we will have an extra option and so we have more chances to win a lot of games.
“With the physical, there’s also a connection of the mental. I think he’s now making good progress on the physical part and that will help him. I hope he can return quickly but I can’t say how long it will be. At this moment, he is not fit enough, no. We have some hurdles to take. I think he’s (heading) in a good direction. I can’t force this process so I don’t do. I would be really happy at the moment if he returned to the squad for team training, that’s the next step.” – Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag
Ten Hag has also downplayed any talks of a potential trophy for Manchester United this season, urging his players to not get distracted and remain focused on the results. The Red Devils will take on Everton in the FA Cup in the next match before taking on Charlton in their Carabao Cup quarter-final clash on Tuesday. The club has four potential trophy opportunities this season as they are also competing in the Europa League but Ten Hag does not want to look that far ahead.
“I don’t think about that. In this stage of the season, it’s not where you are looking at. You are looking at getting into a position where you can win something because there are so many games to play. The season is taking a long time, especially with a lot of games ahead – don’t get distracted. When you think too far ahead, you get distracted. Focus on the game, progress, the team performance and the team development. It’s all about that. There are many elements in our game that we need to improve. Think about and concentrate on that, work to make it better.
“I think we are in a good position. We are where we want to be. Go from game to game, we play in many leagues so focus from game to game on the league and don’t think too far ahead. We have to go from game to game and still think about and work on progressing and the process. It’s all about that as a team, and then the individuals. When the team is performing, the individuals get better. First of all, keep the focus always. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the game or not, keep focused on scoring the goal.
“A player like Marcus but also Anthony Martial, when they stay in the game mentally, focused with 100 percent concentration, they always have the skills and need one moment to change the game in a positive way. If he [Rashford] develops that skill, I think he will score more goals and contribute to a successful season. We push the players, good is not good enough. But also in the organisation we have to push each other. When there are opportunities at the top, you have to be ready for it. My focus is on being ready to get a better team, to improve the team.”
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