If you go back a little more than a year, you will recall that Jadon Sancho served as the face of Erik ten Hag’s ability to ignite a player’s career.
The Dutchman took a compassionate stance toward Sancho because of his struggles since joining Manchester United. Between November 2022 and February 2023, he allowed the winger to focus on his mental health. The Englishman returned the favor by scoring in his first game back, a 2-2 tie with Leeds United.
In an attempt to incorporate Sancho into his style of play that summer, Ten Hag used the winger as a false nine against Borussia Dortmund, his former team, in the wee hours of July 31, 2023. The United boss discussed what he saw in the forward to put him at the center of the attack in an interview that was published in The Guardian later that day.
“He is capable. Ten Hag stated, “He needs to continuously demonstrate his ability to make a significant impact.
“The final product is crucial for front players. Thus, be sure to complete the necessary steps, make the last pass, and accomplish your objectives.
“[Pressure and attitude] must be positive for the remainder as well. Once you achieve that foundational need, you will meet all other expectations of ours.
“The Premier League is tougher than the Bundesliga, so the Bundesliga is the ideal preparation for it. Jadon is not as different of a player as he is here from the many games I watched at Dortmund.”
In less than two months, Sancho was no longer welcome at Carrington. His misguided public criticism of Ten Hag backfired dramatically, and in January he was expelled from the club and banned from training.
There was conjecture before Sancho’s comeback this summer that he had crossed too many lines at Old Trafford. However, Ten Hag demonstrated this past weekend that the proverb “never say never” holds by sharing with reporters how the 24-year-old may help the Reds overcome their lack of strikers against Manchester City on Saturday.
“He’s begun his training. However, he hasn’t been training for very long, so it will take time for him to become used to English football and our style of play,” Ten Hag told Liverpool following the loss.
Of course, Jordan is a capable striker. Although he can play in vast areas as well, he might be a decent choice.
The moment to bury the hatchet is now, and Sancho should consider himself extremely fortunate that Ten Hag is willing to give him another chance. Joshua Zirkzee is a viable possibility, but he cannot cover the large void created by Rasmus Hojlund’s injury.
This weekend’s matchup against City offers Sancho the chance to end a year of suffering and launch a successful United career.
