Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has expressed his delight at Jadon Sancho’s stellar Champions League performance for Borussia Dortmund, but remained tight-lipped over the winger’s future at Old Trafford.
Sancho, who joined United for a hefty £74 million in 2021, was a shadow of his former self under Ten Hag in the first half of the season. A public spat on social media, where Sancho accused the manager of scapegoating him, led to a loan move back to Dortmund in January.
On Wednesday night, however, Sancho looked like a player reborn. His dazzling display helped Dortmund secure a crucial 1-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-final first leg.
“Yesterday, he showed exactly why Manchester United bought him,” said Ten Hag, acknowledging Sancho’s talent. “He’s a high-value player for us, and it was good to see him perform at that level.”
While Ten Hag praised Sancho’s performance, he remained coy about the player’s future. “We’ll see what happens,” he remarked, leaving the door open for a potential return or a permanent move away.
With rumors swirling about a potential summer clearout at Old Trafford, Ten Hag emphatically denied such claims. Recent reports suggested United were willing to entertain offers for most players as they look to rebuild for future success.
“It’s a joke!” Ten Hag exclaimed. “Every summer it’s the same story – Manchester United supposedly interested in 200 players, and supposedly looking to sell everyone in the squad. We do our research, and it’s simply not true.”
However, Ten Hag conceded that United have some catching up to do. “We’re still not at the level expected of Manchester United,” he admitted. “We need to close the gap on teams like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool.”
“This will be my fifth transfer window with the club,” he continued. “We’ve had some decent windows, but others haven’t been so successful. The core of the squad is good, but we need reinforcements.”
Sancho’s situation and Ten Hag’s comments regarding the upcoming transfer window hint at a period of transition for Manchester United. Whether Sancho returns and contributes to the rebuild, or seeks pastures new, remains to be seen.
