Jadon Sancho releases passionate statement after being criticised by Erik ten Hag, claiming he has been repeatedly made a "scapegoat".
After Manchester United’s 3-1 loss at Arsenal, Ten Hag remarked in his post-match press conference the reason Jadon Sancho was left out of his squad to face Arteta’s side at the Emirates.
The Manchester United manager claimed the winger was left out of their recent matchday squad at Arsenal after failing to make the grade in training – which led to an angry response from the £73million star.
“On his performance in training, we didn’t select him. Players like Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Hojlund were chosen ahead of Sancho. At Manchester United, you have to perform at a certain level every day. He wasn’t chosen for this game because the front line is where decisions are made.”
However, Sancho was quick to react on social media, the Englishman warned people to “not believe everything they read” and claimed he was a “scapegoat”.
The outburst had left Ten Hag and his staffs according to an initial report by The Telegragh. The United manager felt especially let down given the extent he had gone to ensure Sancho could return to playing at his best, including sending him on a private training camp last season and providing him with time away from the demands of playing in the competitive Premier League.
Sancho left Borussia Dortmund for United two summers ago, when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was the manager, for £73 million after frequently illuminating the Bundesliga.
Since transferring to Old Trafford, the 23-year-old has battled with form and consistency, scoring a total of nine goals in 59 appearances in the premier league, and assisting a further six.
Responding to the comments online, the England international rebuffed the comments made by his manager on the reason why he didn’t make the cut for the Sunday trip.
“Don’t believe everything you read, he said. I won’t put up with people making outright false statements. I’ve behaved myself admirably this week during training. I’ve been made the scapegoat for a very long period, which is unfair, but I think there are other factors that I won’t discuss.”
“All I want to do is cheer for my team and play football with a grin on my face. I play alongside wonderful players and am grateful to be able to do so, even if I am aware that it presents challenges each and every week. I respect all decisions made by the coaching staff. I won’t give up until I get this badge, no matter what.”
Given that players who are not chosen for their country now have time off during the international break, it is expected that Ten Hag and Sancho will now meet in person.
