Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has commmented on the controversy surrounding Jadon Sancho and Erik ten Hag.
Jadon Sancho was left out of the Manchester United squad to face Arsenal, and Erik ten Hag explained that the player did not perform as expected in training, which is why he was dropped. Sancho subsequently released a statement urging the fans not to believe everything they have heard and that he has been working hard in training.
“I have conducted myself in training very well this week. I believe there are other reasons for this matter that I won’t go into, I have been a scapegoat for a long time which isn’t fair! All I want to do is play football with a smile on my face and contribute to my team.
“I respect all decisions that are made by the coaching staff, I play with fantastic players and grateful to do so which I know every week is a challenge. I will continue to fight for this badge no matter what!”
The developments clearly reveal that there are differences between the player and the manager. Sancho has barely had any opportunities under Erik ten Hag, and it remains to be seen whether the Manchester United manager is prepared to offer him a fair crack of the whip in the coming months.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has now weighed in on the discussion and revealed that there is clearly a disagreement between Sancho and ten Hag. While Sancho might feel that he has worked hard in training, the standards set by ten Hag might be higher. So the two parties have not been able to see eye to eye on the situation.
The former Manchester United defender told his FIVE YouTube channel, “There’s no way Jadon is putting out a statement like that if he hasn’t in his own eyes performed well.
“That’s the difference as well. On his chart, Jadon [might think] – ‘I’ve trained alright’, but the manager might have a different standard. There’s two ways this ends. There’s only one window open now and that’s Saudi. Or you’re on the bench or not getting in the squad for the rest of the season.”
The £73 million signing has not been able to live up to the expectations since his move to Old Trafford but he remains a top-class talent. He could be a game-changer for Manchester United if he manages to regain his form and confidence in the coming months. Getting the best out of him should be a top priority for the Red Devils.
However, Ferdinand’s comments suggest that the manager and the players will have to work out their differences. Sancho was regarded as one of the best attackers in Europe during his time at Borussia Dortmund but has not been able to showcase the quality in England so far. The England international is quite young and he has plenty of time to achieve his true potential.
However, he will need opportunities and regular game time in order to regain his sharpness. Manchester United fans will certainly hope that the manager and the player can work out the differences, which can only benefit the side in the long run.
