Manchester United: Jadon Sancho reveals reason behind shinpad celebration after Europa League goal
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‘He asked me to wear them and I said no problem’: Jadon Sancho reveals heartwarming reason behind shin celebration after Man United winger scored in Europa League win against Sheriff
- Jadon Sancho is open in the background of his shin celebration
- The Manchester United winger scored the opener in a 2-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol
- And after netting, Sancho took off a single shin guard and held it against the crowd
- He said a kid gave him some shin pads and asked him to wear them on the field
- The 22-year-old dismissed it as a ‘little gesture’ to show he was wearing them
- Click here for all the latest 2022 World Cup news and updates
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Jadon Sancho has opened up about the reasons for his shinpad celebration after scoring in Manchester United’s win on Thursday.
The Red Devils winger scored the opener as Erik ten Hag’s side went 2-0 past Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League at the Zimbru Stadium in Chisinau, Moldova, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the second from the penalty spot.
And Sancho revealed the heartwarming background to why he took off an ankle shin guard and held it up for the crowd after his goal.
Jadon Sancho has opened his shinpad party after scoring against Sheriff Tiraspol
The Manchester United star held up a single shin after scoring in their 2-0 win on Thursday
He said, ‘Yes, a small child gave me a pair of shin guards and asked me to wear them. I said ‘Yes, no problem’ and that was a small gesture from me when I scored, to show him I was wearing his shin pads that he gave me.’
A video on social media showed Sancho signing an autograph for a fan who had approached his car, before the youngster handed the player a pair of specially designed shin guards with his face on them.
Afterwards, the child’s father said he would have to wear them in a match – and Sancho duly did.
Footage released on social media shows Sancho getting the shin pads from a young fan
The winger, previously left out of the England squad, gave United the lead after 17 minutes
Sancho whinnied past a defender before putting the ball into the bottom right corner
The 22-year-old added: “It was very important that we got the win today. Obviously our last home game against Real Sociedad was upset and when we got into this game we knew we had to get the three points today.”
Despite being fully fit and in good shape, Sancho missed the England Nations League roster named Thursday by manager Gareth Southgate – the last roster named for the Qatar winter championship.
Sancho said: “Of course it’s disappointing that I don’t get the call-up, but again, I have to keep working hard and hopefully I get the call-up for the World Cup. I just need to focus on myself and keep working hard.’
Red Devils attacker Cristiano Ronaldo scored the other from the penalty spot in Moldova
United boss Erik ten Hag also backed Sancho and Marcus Rashford to continue improving and give Southgate a headache between now and naming his final roster.
“It’s not me, it’s the manager of England,” said Ten Hag. ‘I can’t sit in his chair, I don’t want to do it. They are making progress, they have started the season well and I am sure they will make even more progress.
“Jadon has so much potential. He had a good pre-season and he’s really trying to get fit. He must continue with the process.’
The attack, which finished with confidence, was the Portuguese veteran’s first goal in a season with many injuries
Ten Hag is also convinced Ronaldo has room for improvement after the 37-year-old scored his first goal of the season after trying to leave United in the summer.
“We can expect this if you miss the preseason,” added Ten Hag. “He has to work very hard and invest to get in shape. He will score more goals. He’s really close. If he gets more fitness, he will score more.
“He is fully committed to this project, fully committed to this team, fully engaged. He makes connections, so I’m happy with that.’
