Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag to ‘clear the air’ after Jadon Sancho’s ‘scapegoat’ reply

Jadon Sancho's contract at United ends in 2026.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag to ‘clear the air’ after Jadon Sancho’s ‘scapegoat’ reply

Erik ten Hag and Jadon Sancho (via Manchester Evening News)

Erik ten Hag is set to ‘clear the air’ with Jadon Sancho after the young forward released an official statement following the Dutch manager’s criticism of him. The to-and-fro between the player and the manager got out of hand after Sancho was not even on the bench for Manchester United‘s fixture against Arsenal.

Initially, the United gaffer labeled Sancho’s below-par level at training sessions leading up to the Arsenal game. Shortly after the press conference, Jadon Sancho released a statement on his socials saying, “I’ve been a scapegoat for a long time which isn’t fair!” The forward player also went on to talk about how he wants to play football with a ‘smile’ on his face and respects all decisions made by the coaching staff.

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On his Podcast ‘Vibe with Five’, ex-Manchester United player, Rio Ferdinand even shared his two-pence on the whole scenario. He said one of them is obviously in the right and if Jadon is ready to respond in such a manner, maybe there is some credibility to his claims, he believes.

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Reports suggest that Erik ten Hag and Jadon Sancho will meet to resolve their issues before things get worse. This is necessary because the situation has already become quite messy. Manchester United doesn’t need more drama right now.

Related: Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand shows HARSH reality to Jadon Sancho after fallout with Erik ten Hag

Jadon Sancho under Erik ten Hag

Jadon Sancho and Erik ten Hag (Source: via AFP)
Jadon Sancho and Erik ten Hag (Source: via AFP)

Last season began poorly for Jadon Sancho. The player had a sabbatical leave starting in October and would not return to the club till February. He was also not named in the World Cup squad, further worsening his confidence. Sancho missed 16 games last season under Erik ten Hag but ended the season strong making 41 appearances for the club last season, and 11th in terms of matches played by a Manchester United player last season.

Meanwhile, Sancho has made 3 appearances so far this season and all off the bench. He is down in the pecking order as far as the Red Devils’ XI are concerned. When Garnacho was dropped, Anthony Martial was deployed in the center to allow Marcus Rashford on the left. Now with the addition of Rasmus Højlund, Rashford has just solidified his position on the left-hand side- a position where Sancho has shone in the past.

Jadon Sancho was a huge prospect when he joined from Borussia Dortmund. Still only 23, the forward does not turn 24 until next year. Sancho still has his whole career in front of him. Whether that career continues at Manchester United is the question. His contract runs dry in 2026 with an option to extend for one more year.

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