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Erik ten Hag hints that Jadon Sancho could make his long-awaited comeback against Reading, as Man United manager reveals winger is ‘on his way back’ after showing ‘improvements’ in training after he was taken a break for concerns about his mental well-being.
- Erik ten Hag confirmed that Jadon Sancho is in contention to return to action
- Sancho has not played for Manchester United in the last three months
- Ten Hag said the winger is “on the mend” after rejoining first-team training last week.
Jadon Sancho could make his long-awaited return for Manchester United in the fourth FA Cup clash with Reading at Old Trafford on Saturday.
United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Sancho is in contention for a place in the squad and could return to play for the first time in three months.
“He’s training with the team and we’ll see,” Ten Hag said. She is improving, she is taking steps and we will make the decision after training.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has hinted that Jadon Sancho could return to action
Sancho has been training as a team with Ten Hag now deciding when the winger will appear
“I said he’s on his way back, he’s making strides, he’s back in team training and we have to see when he’s ready to get back in the game.”
Sancho returned to training with the rest of the United squad last week for the first time in two months after missing the club’s winter camp in Spain because he was mentally and physically unfit to participate.
Sancho followed an individual program for eight weeks before joining the rest of the group in Carrington last week. He hasn’t played for United in three months since the 1-1 draw at Chelsea in October.
Ten Hag said that he would make a decision on Sancho’s possible participation after training.
The winger, who also closed his social networks, was sent to the Netherlands to work with coaches recommended by Ten Hag.
Speaking earlier this month, the United boss said: ‘I would like to have Jadon back as soon as possible. I will do everything in my power, but some processes cannot be forced and this is one of them. So I also have to show patience.
‘We have some hurdles to overcome, but I think it’s in a good direction. Right now he is not fit enough. I mean physical. Now he is progressing well in the physical part and that will help him. Physical is also the connection with the mental. I hope you can return quickly, but I can’t say how long it will be.