Erik ten Hag has provided an update on Jadon Sancho‘s status ahead of Manchester United’s fixture with Arsenal.
Sancho returned to Manchester United training this week for the first time since October, pictured at Carrington.
Ten Hag has been patient over Sancho’s fitness, but even with a crucial clash upcoming against Arsenal, he is not going to be rushing the winger.
The manager clarified Sancho will not be considered for selection against the Gunners.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023
Ten Hag on Sancho
Erik ten Hag told Manchester United’s website that Sancho is not yet ready, even saying he has a ‘way to go’ before returning to the first team.
Still, his return to training was a positive step and Ten Hag is optimistic over the winger, talking up his quality.
Ten Hag said: “It is the next step. He still has a way to go.
“He will know that, but when he makes this progress, then he can return in the group for games.
“Of course, we all hope that, because he is a great footballer. He has great skills that can help us.
“We have to cover so many games, but especially we need quality players, and he is definitely a quality player who can make the difference and we are expecting that from him.”
Ten Hag knows the difference Sancho can make, the winger scored the opening goal under him in pre-season, and then netted the opener in his first win, both against Liverpool.
Sancho scored three goals earlier in the season before his form trailed off, with fitness issues later cited, which he has been working to address.
United are still alive in four competitions this season, and with all to play for, Sancho could be a big asset. The lure of a two-legged tie against Barcelona in February should hopefully be a real motivator for the winger to return at full speed.
For the fixture against Arsenal, Sancho will simply be watching, and hoping his teammates return to Manchester with three points.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
