Erik ten Hag explains change at Man United that will benefit Jadon Sancho

Jadon Sancho returned to Manchester United action last week and scored against Leeds United at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old was left on the bench for the Premier League clash after Erik ten Hag revealed he had an illness on the weekend, but it didn’t take long for him to make an impact off the bench.

With United 2-0 down, the winger helped spark a comeback and scored the equalising goal as the spoils were shared at the Theatre of Dreams.

“I’m really happy he’s in the right direction,” said Ten Hag. “I hope he can keep this momentum going. I’m sure it will strengthen him and motivate him to do even more.

“As you see, he’s a brilliant footballer and, if he invests, and he is in the right levels, he can perform outstanding.”

The Englishman took his goal well, despite claims that Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier could have done better, and showed his ability when surrounded with dangerous runners.

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Rather than receiving the ball deep and having the responsibility to create a chance out of nothing, Sancho found himself with the ball in a high and wide area, with Luke Shaw making a threatening run that he found with ease before the ball came back to him to score his first goal since September.

Shaw’s run and Sancho’s pass was reminiscent of combinations the wide man would have with the likes of Achraf Hakimi and Raphaël Guerreiro at Borussia Dortmund.

With United beginning to dominate matches, utilise rotational movement and pin opposition back, Sancho should be able to thrive as he returns back to form.

“I think we now have a team who can dictate games and play more in an opponent’s half and he likes that,” added Ten Hag. “He can play in tight areas and he can make a difference.

“That second goal shows it but also I think when he came on last week, he showed it as well.”

Antony was unavailable for selection against The Whites with an injury, whilst Ten Hag’s original line-up – with Marcus Rashford starting from the right and Alejandro Garnacho from the left – suggests that he realises the Argentine is not suitable from that flank. It could be the perfect opportunity for Sancho to come back into the side.

“It’s in his own hands,” replied the United boss when asked what the English winger needs to do. “If he wants, he can do it. This team is great to play in. It gives you joy but I really enjoy seeing him play the way he did with so much confidence and so much belief. Really direct. It was great to see him and to play in this attack.

“It is too quickly to answer that question [about getting in the team at the weekend]. I have to reflect and first analyse his game and reflect on his game and then we will make decisions.”