Erik ten Hag has officially included Jadon Sancho as part of his pre-season squad, in a move that could impact the forwards’ future at Manchester United.
Sancho’s future has been of much speculation ahead of the summer window, Paris Saint Germain said to be interested in the Englishman. According to Sky Sports, the French Champions are yet to make a formal approach, but are currently exploring the conditions of the deal.
Sancho is also said to be of interest to Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, and unnamed Premier League club, but the former two sides are currently unable to meet United’s valuation, whilst the latter’s interest is only ‘tentative’.
As such, the 25-year-old has still been included in Erik ten Hag’s squad for the 2024 tour, and may see significant minutes amid his reconciled relationship with the Dutch manager.
The two’s much-reported public fallout last season saw Sancho make just three Premier League appearances in August before moving on a six-month loan back to Dortmund in January, in a move that seemed to spell the end of the player’s time at England record champions.
However, upon Sancho’s return to United’s setup this summer, Ten Hag has stated to Dutch news publication ADSportwereld that they have since ‘spoken well’, ‘drawn a line’ and ‘moved on’ from the disagreement, and that he hopes the “very good” Sancho can ‘contribute to their success’,
Sancho somewhat rediscovering of his form during his time back in Germany may have a part to play in Ten Hag’s hopes, as the talented wide-man scored three and assisted twice in all competitions whilst proving a heavily influential figure in The Black and Yellows’ unexpected run to the Champions League final. This was specifically the case in the semi-final against his current potential suitors PSG, where he terrorized left-back Nuno Mendes with a combined 16 completed dribbles from 24 attempts over the two legs.
Those performances, and Ten Hag’s proclamations, will be welcome news to many among the United fan base, who still dream that the winger can produce the performances once expected of him following his €85million move to Old Trafford.
Time will tell where how this saga progresses throughout the summer, but, whilst it may just be a precautionary measure in case a bid from one of the aforementioned clubs doesn’t arise, Sancho’s involvement in Ten Hag’s squad serves as a slight indication that the above scenario could well come to fruition in the English top flight this season – a proposition that seemed almost inconceivable just a few months ago.
Travis Levison | Get Football
