>
Erik ten Hag says he needs Jadon Sancho ‘back as soon as possible’ to boost Manchester United’s front line, but the manager insists ‘I have to show patience’ after the winger spent time away working on his condition ‘physical and mental’.
Erik ten Hag admits Manchester United need Jadon Sancho back in action as soon as possible, but he won’t force the England star to speed up his recovery.
Sancho has returned to the club’s base in Carrington to follow an individual fitness programme, after several weeks working alone in the Netherlands because Ten Hag said he was not in the right physical and mental shape to train with the rest of the squad.
United already need to sign a striker in the January transfer window after breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract, and Ten Hag recognized that Sancho would be a valuable addition to a depleted attacking force.
Man United boss Erik ten Hag has admitted he needs Jadon Sancho back as soon as possible
The English winger Sancho has returned to the Carrington training camp after several weeks working alone in the Netherlands in an individual program to boost his physical and mental condition
The United manager revealed that the 22-year-old winger is making progress but insisted he will not pressure Sancho to return before he is ready.
“We have some hurdles to overcome, but I think it’s in a good direction,” Ten Hag said. ‘I will be very happy when I return to the team for team training. That is the next step.
‘The physical is also connected with the mental. Now he is progressing well in the physical part and that will help him. I think, let’s say, I hope, that he can return quickly, but I can’t say how long it will be.
But Dutch coach Ten Hag was adamant he won’t rush the 22-year-old before he’s ready.
‘I would like him to come back as soon as possible. I’ll do everything in my power, but you can’t force some processes and this is one of them.
‘So I have to show patience, although I don’t have patience because you’re right, we lack opportunities on the front line. When he’s fit, Jadon is one of those who can contribute and then we’ll have an extra option.
“I was in the Netherlands, but the process could also have been in England. I think for a lot of high level athletes, sometimes it’s nice to get away from where you are every day to get a new vibe and experience.
He added that United’s medical team is still assessing Donny van de Beek’s right knee injury.
‘People have a different approach and this can give you the right push to get back on track. Soccer players are not robots. Nobody is the same. For everyone, an individual approach is needed. We thought, in cooperation with Jadon, that it was the best option.
Ten Hag said United’s medical team is still assessing Donny van de Beek’s right knee injury, stressing the importance of signing goalkeeper Jack Butland from Crystal Palace until the end of the season.
“We need three experienced goalkeepers,” said the Dutchman. “You don’t want a situation where hopefully you’re playing for trophies and you have to put in a young goalkeeper.” He can kill your season.