National news correspondent Andy Mitten has leapt to Erik ten Hag’s defence following the ongoing saga between the Manchester United manager and Jadon Sancho.
Both parties have engaged in a public spat sparked by Sancho’s performances and attitude in training, which Ten Hag believes have been below par.
The Dutch tactician made the remark in the aftermath of the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal in last weekend’s Premier League showdown at the Emirates Stadium.
Sancho, who was dropped from the squad that travelled to London, refused to entertain the manager’s false comments, claiming he had been made a ‘scapegoat’.
However, Mitten has offered his view on the ongoing saga, debunking Sancho’s ‘scapegoat’ claims and stating that the winger needs to focus on repaying Ten Hag’s support instead.
Once touted as the next big thing to come out of Europe during his Borussia Dortmund days, the 23-year-old has massively struggled to live up to expectations.
Man United paid an eye-watering €85 million to lure him away from Signal Iduna Park two years ago, but Sancho has struggled to recapture his previous form at the Theatre of Dreams.
His first year in Manchester, where he bagged just five goals and three assists in 38 appearances, was considered a period of adaptation by Man United fans, who had high hopes for his potential.
However, his subsequent stint didn’t show any evident signs of improvement, as he only tallied seven goals and three assists to show for his efforts in 41 attempts.
Mitten says Sancho claiming innocence in the squabble with Ten Hag is ‘incorrect’, maintaining that the manager has been ‘proactive’ in building a relationship with his players and will try to repair the issue with the winger.
The Englishman, who is now set to face disciplinary action for his outburst against the manager, would reportedly have left Man United if a suitable offer arrived during the summer.
He needs to step up to the responsibility of delivering top-class performances for the Red Devils, especially with the club now under pressure to drop Antony following allegations of assault and abuse.
