Erik ten Hag has been trialing Jadon Sancho as a false nine in pre-season to see if he would fit the role for Manchester United in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old Sancho is typically used as a left winger, but Ten Hag is debating whether or not to reposition him as more of a central attacker.
In this summer’s friendlies against Lyon, Leeds United, and Arsenal, the England international has started as a false nine.
Sancho scored the second goal and was impressed with both his pressuring and hold-up play in the 2-0 victory over the Gunners on Saturday.
While the Red Devils have yet to sign a new striker this summer, Ten Hag has reportedly been “encouraged” by Sancho’s exploits in the position and may choose to start him there in the Premier League.
Before the 2023–24 season, Harry Kane was expected to join United. The Tottenham striker was interested in the transfer, but Ten Hag’s team withdrew from the running because of his £100 million price tag.
They were linked to Randal Kolo Muani, a striker for France’s national team, but they again dropped their interest because they believed he was not worth his £86 million price tag.
Rasmus Hojlund is currently the focus of United’s interest, although they won’t spend more than £60 million on the Atalanta player.
Sancho, on the other hand, has generally failed since arriving at United from Borussia Dortmund two years ago for £73 million.
So far, in 79 games for United, he has only scored 12 goals and provided six assists.