02 February 2023 , 17:32
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Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has shed light on a chat he had with struggling Red Devils ace Jadon Sancho after his return to first-team action.
The England international came off the bench at Old Trafford during his side's routine 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest to secure their place in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle at Wembley later this month. His introduction just after the 60th minute marked Sancho's first appearance for the Red Devils since last October.
Having missed out on a place in the Three Lions squad for the World Cup in Qatar, Sancho was placed on an individual programme in December and only resumed training with the first team again last month.
Sancho received a fantastic reception from the home faithful, who were delighted to see the £73million-man back in action after what has undoubtedly been one of the most challenging periods of his career.
After the game while morale was high, United's vice-captain Fernandes sung his team-mates' praises to the media as he explained: "He's [Sancho] been really good. As I said to him, it's great to have him back because we know he is a massive solution for us, as a starter, as someone to come and have great qualities to help the team.
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"We all know the capacity that he [Sancho] has. He hasn't expressed it at his best yet, he's been at some moments really good. Obviously now he is back from a long period but we are really happy to have him back, as the same with Martial coming back from injury."
Jadon Sancho came off the bench for Man Utd against Nottingham ForestHAVE YOUR SAY!Will Sancho play a key part in the second-half of United's season? Comment below
Following the remarkable response to Sancho's return, manager Erik ten Hag admitted he hopes the affection from supporters can be used as a foundation for the 22-year-old to kickstart his United career.
"I think it was great, the reception from the fans to him, and also that will give him even more a push to continue in the way he's now acting," the Dutchman claimed.
"He has just started again, he is back in Carrington, and hopefully he can keep that and really contribute to the team because when he is in form he is important to us.
"He already showed his quality this season for instance, the game against Liverpool, a great goal, scored against Leicester, he had some really good games, Spurs, he already showed his great capabilities."
The warm welcome back from the United supporters clearly made an impression on Sancho, who was one of the last players to leave the pitch as he soaked up the applause from those who stayed behind after the final whistle.