During his post-match press conference at the Emirates on Sunday, Erik ten Hag was transparent about why Jadon Sancho was not included in the Manchester United squad to face Arsenal. Rather than throwing Sancho under the bus, Ten Hag simply stated that the decision was based on Sancho’s performances in training.
Ten Hag’s approach was not confrontational or adversarial. He didn’t engage in demagoguery or crowd-pleasing tactics. He presented the facts matter-of-factly. By mentioning other players who he believed deserved a place in the squad more, Ten Hag didn’t imply any misconduct or lack of discipline from Sancho. He was just honest and refused to lie.
Sancho, a highly talented player who made a name for himself at Borussia Dortmund, has the right to respond if he deems it necessary, especially in today’s world of social media. However, his recent comments defending himself against claims about his training performances sounded entitled. It seemed as though he believed a place in the squad was his right. Additionally, his statements made it seem as if he was responding to allegations that weren’t even directed at him.
The reality is that Sancho is not a significant enough player at United to be a target for undue criticism. He has become an afterthought. The rift between Ten Hag and Sancho reflects the dysfunction within the club, which is struggling under the ownership of the Glazers. It also highlights the cultural shift Ten Hag has been implementing at Old Trafford, where performance and team ethic overshadow celebrity status.
Ten Hag should be commended for his approach in dealing with star players who prioritize social media presence. He isn’t afraid to challenge player power head-on, even if it’s not always popular. His efforts to establish the manager’s authority at Old Trafford deserve respect. The recent spat with Sancho shouldn’t cause supporters to lose faith in Ten Hag.
While United’s performance against Arsenal was underwhelming, it’s still early in the season, and there is room for improvement. New signings like Rasmus Hojlund and Sofyan Amrabat will contribute to strengthening the team. Injuries to key players will also heal in due course. The conflict with Sancho is merely a distraction from the team’s progress.
It’s important to acknowledge that Ten Hag supported and gave Sancho time to recover when the player faced physical and mental health issues last season. This approach demonstrated sensitive and modern management. Unfortunately, it’s challenging to see a future for Sancho at Old Trafford after his recent outburst. The player’s scapegoat statement, implying “other reasons,” will likely define his time at United.
Sancho’s popularity among fans and on social media doesn’t align with his effectiveness on the field. While he is still young and talented, it may be in his best interest to rebuild his confidence elsewhere. Ten Hag’s decision to prioritize players like Facundo Pellistri shows that he values meritocracy over social media presence or past achievements.
Overall, the divide between Ten Hag and Sancho is a sorrowful tale of a star losing his reputation. As England prepares for the Rugby World Cup, it appears that former coach Eddie Jones is relishing in the team’s struggles. Jones’s involvement in a controversy concerning the personal lives of his players, as described by Danny Cipriani, adds fuel to the fire.
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