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Erik ten Hag says Jadon Sancho is in the right direction after impressive second-half display

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was delighted for Jadon Sancho following his impressive second-half performance against Leicester City in the Premier League today.

The England international recently made his comeback to top-flight action after a prolonged break. He was lively off the bench in the 2-2 draw against Leeds United where he scored the equaliser.

Sancho did not make any goal contribution in his next two appearances, but he proved his worth against the Foxes at Old Trafford, bagging the club’s third goal in the 61st minute.

The 22-year-old should have also had an assist but Wout Weghorst failed to convert an easy chance.

Speaking after the game, Ten Hag was hugely impressed with Sancho’s resurgence. He said that he is moving in the right direction, but there is plenty of room for improvement.

He told Manutd.com: “He’s in the right direction, but I think he doesn’t achieve in this moment his limits. [There is] a lot of space for improvement with him. Now already he is on a high level and I’m sure when he keeps especially the joy of football.”

“Then it will really improve his performance and today you see when he’s coming on in the midfield position, [he makes] great runs, great passes. [He’s] good in position. But what also gives me a lot of joy [is his] defence transition.”

Sancho playing with renewed confidence after break

Sancho was dropped by Ten Hag in the lead-up to the World Cup amid concerns over his physicality and struggles to build-up play in the final third.

He was sent on a special training programme to the Netherlands during the festive period and the decision seems to be proving worthwhile already.

Sancho has been playing with a renewed confidence recently. He has looked in control in possession. He completed 93 per cent of his passes earlier today.

The former Borussia Dortmund star has also been willing to attempt more take-ons which he was rarely the case at the beginning of the current season.

He has also been impressive with his link-up play. Against the Foxes, he produced three key passes.

However, there is room for improvement with his ability to win duels. He won just two out of eight today and this is one department where he can become better.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com and Sofascore.com