Ten Hag praises exiled Sancho after becoming Champions League star

May 2, 2024 Vaseline stjohnson 0

Erik ten Hag says Jadon Sancho’s impressive performance in the Champions League semi-finals for Borussia Dortmund demonstrates why Manchester United bought him and underlines his “high value”.

The 24-year-old winger struggled to live up to expectations after moving to Old Trafford from the German club for £73 million ($91 million) in 2021.

He was expelled from the first team last September after claiming on social media that he had been made a “scapegoat”.

Sancho criticized after United manager Ten Hag said he had underperformed in training ahead of the Arsenal game.

He has not played for the club since, who loaned him out to his former employers for the remainder of the season in January.

Sancho shone in Dortmund’s 1-0 Champions League semi-final first leg win over Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, adding to rumors about where his future lies.

“Yesterday he showed why Manchester United bought him,” Ten Hag told reporters on Thursday. “He also showed that he represents great value for Manchester United, which is good.

“So I’m happy, happy for Jadon with his performance yesterday and we’ll see what happens in the future.”

Reports this week said that most of United’s players were for sale after a poor season, although the club wants to keep youngsters Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.

But Ten Hag, who is unsure about his own future, said the reports were wildly exaggerated.

“It’s a joke,” he said. “Since I have worked here, every summer, every window, I think 200 players are attracting interest from Manchester United. We investigated a little. Fake.

“And also every summer we sell all the players on our team, so you (in the media) are in all the headlines, which is not true.”

Marcus Rashford was reported to be among those for sale and the failed striker will again be absent when sixth-placed United return to Premier League action at Crystal Palace on Monday.

“I can’t say (when he’ll be back),” Ten Hag said.

Rashford joins Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw and Raphael Varane on the sidelines, with Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes also doubtful for the match against the Eagles.

AFP