Erik ten Hag Says He Can’t Force Jadon Sancho To Start Playing

Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag has given an update on the continuous absence of Englishman Jason Sancho saying there is still no timeline for when the winger will resume playing for Manchester United.

Ahead of Manchester United’s FA third-round game against Everton scheduled to kick off at 21:00 tonight, coach Erik ten Hag stressed that patience is key when it comes to Sancho.

Sancho, a £73 million acquisition from Borussia Dortmund 18 months ago, hasn’t played for United since participating for 52 minutes in a 1-1 tie at Chelsea in October. He was also left off of the England World Cup roster.

Sancho missed United’s two-game tour of Spain last month because, according to Ten Hag, he was “not in the correct status or fitness state.” Instead, Sancho was put on an individual fitness program in the Netherlands.

This week, he made a comeback to the club’s Carrington training facility, but so far, his participation has been minimal as the 22-year-old concentrates on his strategy.

United’s attacking options are diminished by Sancho’s ongoing absence, but Ten Hag acknowledges that certain procedures have been put in place and will eventually be advantageous to both the team and the player in the long run.

Sancho scored three goals in his first eight games of the season, including the game-winning goal at Leicester the following month and the opening goal in a 2-1 victory over Liverpool in August.

File photo of Manchester United star Jason Sancho.

Sancho is moving in the right direction, but there is still a long way to go before he can be deemed ready for a comeback, according to Ten Hag.

The coach said: “I would like to have Jadon back as soon as possible, but I can’t force this process. I will do everything that’s in my power but some processes you can’t force and this is one of them.

“I also have to show patience although I don’t have patience because we have a lack of opportunities in the front line, players who are available and capable to contribute not only in the Premier League but on the highest standard in football.

“Jadon is one who, when he is fit, will contribute and we will have an extra option and so we have more chance to win a lot of games.”