23 October 2023 , 12:01
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Manchester United have clarified manager Erik ten Hag was speaking about defender Sergio Reguilon, rather than exiled winger Jadon Sancho, when addressing players who may be able to return in midweek against FC Copenhagen.
Ten Hag referred to the Spaniard by his first name, which some fans misheard as 'Sancho'. England international Sancho has not featured since a war of words with the boss in the aftermath of his omission from the squad to face Arsenal in early September.
United clarified at the end of the press conference that Ten Hag had indeed said 'Sergio'. The former Spurs left-back has recently missed games through injury and illness, but could be in contention to feature on Tuesday night.
"Yes, we hope," Ten Hag said when asked if his team would be able to welcome anyone back from injury against their Danish opponents. "I said it also last Friday, Sergio., [but] he got ill for Saturday,
"He was fit, trained all week last week.Yesterday he was back in training, today he will train and then we will have to assess if he is ready and game fit or if he can be involved in the squad."
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United's manager was then asked what prompted the latest development. "We have to see if he is fit enough to be part of the squad for tomorrow," the former Ajax boss replied.
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Jadon Sancho last played for Manchester United in August (Greig Cowie/REX/Shutterstock)Reguilon joined United on loan from Spurs at the end of the summer transfer window, after injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia forced Ten Hag's hand. He has started three times for the Red Devils, most recently in the September victory at Burnley.
With Reguilon absent, Ten Hag has employed Sofyan Amrabat and Victor Lindelof as a makeshift left-back in recent weeks. Lindelof occupied the role for the last two league games, victories over Brentford and Sheffield United.
Defeats against Bayern Munich and Galatasaray in their first two Champions League games have left Ten Hag's side at risk of an early elimination from the competition. A home loss against the Turkish champions saw midfielder Casemiro sent off, so he will miss Tuesday's game through suspension.
FC Copenhagen have injury issues of their own for the trip to Old Trafford as they aim to add to the one point they have picked up so far, with midfielder William Clem among those missing. United striker Rasmus Hojlund could line up against one of his younger brothers, though, with Oscar having made his Champions League debut in September and Emil earning his first Danish top-flight minutes this season.