We can’t rely on him any longer. He needs to leave. His mind is not here with us and here is why. After what he told me, I decided to take him out of my plans this season”-Erik ten Hag finally breaks silence as he reveals what Jadon Sancho told him as he is set to leave the club

Jadon Sancho’s time at Manchester United continues to be marked by uncertainty, with numerous ups and downs that have kept both fans and analysts on edge. Following a tumultuous year, highlighted by a very public disagreement with manager Erik ten Hag, Sancho was excluded from the first-team squad, sparking widespread speculation about his future at the club. The situation seemed to take a positive turn when Sancho rejoined the first team this summer, indicating a possible reconciliation with ten Hag. His participation in United’s pre-season tour in the United States hinted at a new beginning in his career with the Red Devils.

However, the optimism was short-lived. Sancho’s absence from Manchester United’s starting lineup for their Premier League opener against Fulham raised concerns and renewed doubts about his status at the club. Although there were reports of Sancho dealing with an ear infection before the match, ten Hag’s straightforward comment that he “preferred other players” hinted at deeper, unresolved issues. This suggested that despite Sancho’s return, his position within the team remains uncertain, with trust between him and ten Hag possibly still fragile.

At Old Trafford, competition for attacking positions is intense. The rise of young talents like Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo, along with the consistency of Marcus Rashford and the presence of Antony, has made it even more challenging for Sancho to secure a spot. These players have consistently delivered strong performances, pushing Sancho further down the pecking order. For a player of Sancho’s caliber, being on the fringes is far from ideal, and it’s evident that ten Hag’s preference for other options has put Sancho’s future at Manchester United back in question.

As Sancho’s situation at United becomes increasingly unclear, interest from other top European clubs is growing. Juventus has emerged as a serious contender for his signature, with reports suggesting that negotiations are already underway between the Italian club and Manchester United. The transfer fee being discussed is believed to be around €30 million (£25 million), a significant amount that reflects both Sancho’s potential and the investment United made when they signed him from Borussia Dortmund. Additionally, Chelsea and Barcelona are rumored to be monitoring his situation, adding further intrigue to his potential next move.

During a Thursday press conference, Erik ten Hag shed some light on his approach to team selection and squad management. When asked about Sancho’s possible involvement in the upcoming match against Brighton, ten Hag gave a cautious response, neither confirming nor denying Sancho’s inclusion. Instead, he emphasized the importance of squad depth and flexibility, where every player knows their role and the need for patience. “We will see,” ten Hag remarked, pointing to the competitive nature of his squad. He stressed that maintaining a squad with players capable of filling multiple positions is vital, particularly as the season progresses and the fixture list becomes more demanding.

Ten Hag’s comments were directed not just at Sancho, but at the entire squad. The Dutch manager underlined the importance of player attitude, emphasizing that dealing with setbacks is part of being a professional footballer. “You win as a squad,” ten Hag said, highlighting the collective effort needed for success. He made it clear that the path to winning trophies is long, with the ultimate rewards determined in May, and until then, every player must stay focused, motivated, and ready to contribute when called upon.

The upcoming weeks will be crucial for Jadon Sancho as he seeks to establish a clear role at Manchester United or explore opportunities elsewhere. With Juventus actively pursuing him and other clubs showing interest, Sancho faces a significant decision regarding his career. For Manchester United, the situation presents both a challenge and an opportunity: to either reintegrate a talented player who could still thrive at Old Trafford or to secure a transfer that could provide funds for further strengthening the squad. As the transfer window nears its close, all eyes will be on Sancho to see where his next chapter unfolds.