Erik ten Hag sends clear message to Jadon Sancho after Man United penalty miss

Manchester United lost against Manchester City on penalties in the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium as Jadon Sancho missed a spot-kick.

The Reds provided a solid performance across 90 minutes and seemed likely to be heading to victory after Alejandro Garnacho put them into the lead.

After 82 minutes, the 20-year-old Argentine delivered a smart finish with his weaker left foot to bypass Ederson and open the scoring late on in the game.

However, it was only seven minutes later when Pep Guardiola’s side found an equaliser after Bernardo Silva capitalised on Facundo Pellistri’s positioning at the back post to score past André Onana and force the game into extra-time.

Onana quickly put his side back in the driving seat after saving Silva’s opening penalty for the Blues, and United had the advantage until Jadon Sancho’s penalty was unfortunately saved.

It was the first time that the 24-year-old had stepped up from 12 yards at Wembley since the European Championship final against Italy in 2021.

This time, his penalty was well-struck but expertly tipped onto the post by Ederson. Jonny Evans would be the next player to miss, providing Manuel Akanji the chance to win the game for City – which he did.

Despite the miss, Erik ten Hag believes that Sancho will step up from the spot again for United in the future.

“He is a very good penalty taker but today he missed. It’s part of the game,” the manager explained during his post-match interview with ITV Sport.

Asked further about the situation in his press conference, Ten Hag added: “He’s a very good penalty taker, and I had — and have — no doubts to let him score a penalty. Also in the future, he will take penalties.”

The manager and Sancho had their issues in the past, which have now been resolved, allowing the player to return to the squad after it seemed destined he would depart this summer.

Yet there is still a chance that Sancho’s future beyond this month is away from Old Trafford, with several clubs in contact with his agents.

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