Jadon Sancho has been warned that he “wouldn’t see the light of day” if he spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson like he did to Erik ten Hag on Sunday.
After starting United’s first three Premier League games, the 23-year-old was benched for Sunday’s 3-1 loss at Arsenal. Ten Hag was forthright in his post-match press conference when asked why the forward was left out.
“We didn’t select him based on his performance in training,” he explained. “At Manchester United, you have to perform at a high level every day.” You can make decisions on the front line, thus he wasn’t selected for this game.”
Sancho, who appeared enraged by the incident, issued a statement on social media, writing: “I will not allow people saying things that are completely false, I have conducted myself in training very well this week.” I feel there are further causes for this situation that I will not discuss; I’ve been a scapegoat for a long time, which isn’t fair!”
Gary Lineker has backed the England international, but one former Manchester United player has slammed the ex-Borussia Dortmund player. Ben Foster told Mark Goldbridge on The United Stand YouTube show: “It’s absolutely crazy.”
“If Alex Ferguson is the manager and Jadon Sancho does this, he will never play for Manchester United.” He’d never play for this club, he’d never be allowed near the changing room, you’re done.”
Foster, who played for Ferguson at Old Trafford from 2005 to 2010, believes Sancho’s retort was inappropriate: “It is petulant, emotive, reactionary, and disrespectful.” It just turns into a tremendous storm, and everyone is wondering what happened – has Ten Hag lost the dressing room? What were the training sessions like in reality?
“Sancho says it has nothing to do with training, which is great; you should be applying yourself and putting in the effort.” That is the absolute minimum. I don’t blame Ten Hag in the least, as long as it’s true.”
Foster, who began the season in League Two with Wrexham before retiring from football last month, also claimed the player’s conduct could harm his future career: “This is going to be a massive problem for Jadon Sancho moving forward,” he remarked. “Other clubs see it, and they wouldn’t want someone who behaves like this either.”
Sancho’s future at United may now be determined by talks with Ten Hag, which are due to take place this week. Only in December, his manager sent the £73 million signing to Holland for a specific training program due to fitness worries.
