Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag casts fresh doubt on Jadon Sancho's return from Dutch exile
Erik ten Hag has raised further doubts over Jadon Sancho's return to Manchester United, saying he still doesn't know when the £73m winger will seal his return after a two-month layoff and half. The England international was ordered to train alone in Holland with one of Ten Hag's recommended coaches in November in a bid to get his season back on track after an alarming drop in form.
After starting the campaign on a high note, illness disrupted Sancho's momentum and saw him lose his place in United's starting XI.
But before he knew it, he was cast aside by Ten Hag following his disturbing death and told to train at OJC Rosmalen's facilities in the Netherlands. -Down to clear your head.
To make matters worse for the player, Sancho also missed out on England's World Cup squad after failing to force his way back into Gareth Southgate's setup.
While the former Borussia Dortmund starlet is now back at Carrington with his United team-mates, Ten Hag remains unconvinced that Sancho is ready to return - both in mind and in terms of conditioning physical.
The Dutchman said: "He was in the Netherlands but the good thing is that he is back at Carrington and it shows that he is improving and ready for the next stage.
>"I think many top athletes, in football and in other sports, sometimes it's good to get away from where you are on a daily basis to get a new vibe and experience. This can give you the right push to get back on track.
"Football players are not robots and we felt that in cooperation with Jadon it was the best choice.
"I would like Jadon back as soon as possible. But some processes cannot be forced - and this is one of them.
"So I also have to be patient. We have hurdles to overcome, but I think he's heading in the right direction.
"At the moment he is not in good enough shape. I hope he can come back soon but I can't say how long it will be."
Sancho has remained silent throughout his rehabilitation period, recently turning off his social media in an effort to refocus.
It is understood that he is wholeheartedly committed to turning things around as he eyes a dramatic comeback as United continue to improve on the pitch.
The tricky dribbler has scored just twice this season for United, claiming wins over Liverpool and Leicester earlier in the season.
He can also draw great inspiration from team-mate Marcus Rashford, who endured a similar barren run last season when he wasn't enjoying his football after a difficult European Championship with England.
Now Rashford is part of the goals and once again United's main man after also scoring three goals for England at the World Cup in Qatar.
There is now further competition for places at United following the emergence of Alejandro Garnacho, who has taken Old Trafford by storm since working his way through the ranks at Ten Hag.
Erik ten Hag has raised further doubts over Jadon Sancho's return to Manchester United, saying he still doesn't know when the £73m winger will seal his return after a two-month layoff and half. The England international was ordered to train alone in Holland with one of Ten Hag's recommended coaches in November in a bid to get his season back on track after an alarming drop in form.
After starting the campaign on a high note, illness disrupted Sancho's momentum and saw him lose his place in United's starting XI.
But before he knew it, he was cast aside by Ten Hag following his disturbing death and told to train at OJC Rosmalen's facilities in the Netherlands. -Down to clear your head.
To make matters worse for the player, Sancho also missed out on England's World Cup squad after failing to force his way back into Gareth Southgate's setup.
While the former Borussia Dortmund starlet is now back at Carrington with his United team-mates, Ten Hag remains unconvinced that Sancho is ready to return - both in mind and in terms of conditioning physical.
The Dutchman said: "He was in the Netherlands but the good thing is that he is back at Carrington and it shows that he is improving and ready for the next stage.
>"I think many top athletes, in football and in other sports, sometimes it's good to get away from where you are on a daily basis to get a new vibe and experience. This can give you the right push to get back on track.
"Football players are not robots and we felt that in cooperation with Jadon it was the best choice.
"I would like Jadon back as soon as possible. But some processes cannot be forced - and this is one of them.
"So I also have to be patient. We have hurdles to overcome, but I think he's heading in the right direction.
"At the moment he is not in good enough shape. I hope he can come back soon but I can't say how long it will be."
Sancho has remained silent throughout his rehabilitation period, recently turning off his social media in an effort to refocus.
It is understood that he is wholeheartedly committed to turning things around as he eyes a dramatic comeback as United continue to improve on the pitch.
The tricky dribbler has scored just twice this season for United, claiming wins over Liverpool and Leicester earlier in the season.
He can also draw great inspiration from team-mate Marcus Rashford, who endured a similar barren run last season when he wasn't enjoying his football after a difficult European Championship with England.
Now Rashford is part of the goals and once again United's main man after also scoring three goals for England at the World Cup in Qatar.
There is now further competition for places at United following the emergence of Alejandro Garnacho, who has taken Old Trafford by storm since working his way through the ranks at Ten Hag.
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