09 September 2023 , 21:30
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Erik ten Hag has been shocked by the way his row with Jadon Sancho has escalated.
The Manchester United boss left the England winger out of United’s squad for the trip to Arsenal last week because he felt his £73 million man needed to be reminded of his responsibilities after allowing his performances in training to slip.
Sources close to Ten Hag claim that he hoped Sancho’s omission - and the subsequent explanation of his decision - would lay down a challenge to the 23-year-old that would be accepted.
So the Dutchman was dismayed when the player responded by posting a rebuttal on social media claiming he was being made a scapegoat for United’s inconsistent start to the season.
Sancho wrote: "Please don't believe everything you read! I will not allow people saying things that is 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've been a scapegoat for a long time which isn't fair!
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"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 grateful to do so which I know every week is a challenge. I will continue to fight for this badge no matter what!"
Sancho hit out at his lack of action at Manchester United (Getty Images)The post has remained pinned on Sancho’s account for almost a week.
Ten Hag feels the whole situation has been blown out of proportion and believes it can still be resolved to allow Sancho to prove he deserves a place in his team.
But the United boss is also aware that he cannot allow his authority to be so brazenly challenged by a member of his squad. And he wants Sancho to heed the wake-up call.
Ten Hag has been left stunned by Sancho's reaction to the snub (Kieran McManus/REX/Shutterstock)Ten Hag would have not stood in Sancho’s way if United had been able to agree a deal to send the former Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund star to the Saudi Pro League.
Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq club wanted to take the winger on loan, but were unwilling to accept a £50million obligation to buy.
United were also willing to listen to offers for Sancho during the transfer window, although Ten Hag made it clear to the club that there were other players who would prefer to see leave the club first.
Ten Hag spoke last year about the mental issues Sancho has faced since moving back to Manchester two seasons ago. He sent the 23-year-old to Holland to undergo a bespoke training regime that was designed to help him.
But the United boss is also aware that there comes a time when one of the most expensive players in his squad has to deliver. Sancho is now below youngsters Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Pellestri in the Old Trafford pecking order.