After an argument with his manager after United’s 3-1 loss to Arsenal earlier this month, the 23-year-old is now exercising alone and making use of the club’s academy facilities.
Sancho was upset when Ten Hag blamed his lackluster training for his exclusion from the matchday squad at the Emirates.
Sancho has complained of being treated unfairly and called himself a “scapegoat” in posts on social media site X (previously known as Twitter).The former Borussia Dortmund attacker erased the post but failed to publicly apologize to his boss, leading to his exclusion from the first team and its facilities.
When asked about the incident during Friday’s pregame press conference, Ten Hag avoided mentioning Sancho by name and instead focused on his responsibility as manager to “control standards,” which he evidently feels the England winger has not reached.
As the embargoed portion of Ten Hag’s press conference progressed, he was questioned further on Sancho’s future, and he refused to give any assurances, even going so far as to suggest that he deemed the England winger ‘unimportant’ as he preparations for United’s match against Brighton on Saturday.Ten Hag said, “I don’t know” when asked if he would consider playing Sancho again. Here I am sitting down. There will be a lot of games in a short amount of time starting tomorrow, as we enter a new block of games. That’s what my attention is focused on.
“As I’ve said before, I don’t worry about [the length of time it will take to resolve the disciplinary matter]. I worry about the future. As a team, I consider how we may best move forward. The Champions League is next for us! I need to think carefully about several factors before making any judgments.
I don’t think it’s necessary to spend time on this topic. What’s most crucial, I believe, is that I get my squad ready. Now I do that. It’s not just about the team or the club, but about everyone involved. Tomorrow, when we play Brighton, I intend to give a spectacular performance.
I put in as much time and energy as possible with the guys I have. When asked if he considered not going public with his issues over Sancho’s training performances, the United manager replied, “I’m always honest.” Sancho is currently unavailable for selection. You need to keep things to yourself, but there are instances when you just can’t. If you ask me, I’ll give you the straight scoop.
Earlier in the day, Ten Hag declared, “I think everything is said” regarding the Sancho drama. The team is confident and upbeat heading into the game.
It is my responsibility to maintain a high level of quality as the club has asked me to do so because, up until the end of the previous season, there was no good concept.
When it comes to straight lines, the staff, and the players, there is a system with crossing lines and you have to be extremely strong. “There has never been one mistake.”
Sancho’s exile is particularly unfortunate timing-wise, what with Antony being on leave after being accused of assault and Mason Mount still being sidelined-and could lead to the emergence of youngster Facundo Pellistri on the right wing.