Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has given his backing to Jadon Sancho after the 0-0 draw with Southampton.
Ten Hag selected Sancho as an attacking midfielder along with Bruno Fernandes, with Casemiro anchoring the midfield behind.
This gameplan was thrown out the window when Casemiro was sent off in the first half.
Sancho played 73 minutes, before coming off as part of a double change along with Anthony, with Facundo Pellistri and Alejandro Garnacho brought on.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023
Ten Hag on Sancho
Erik ten Hag was asked by reporters at his press conference if he was happy with Sancho’s display.
The Manchester United manager responded by giving his backing to the star.
He said: “Yes, I think he did quite well. Some really good actions, one time he was really close to a goal, a run behind the defensive line, a cross from Bruno almost came there.
“He did a really good job. I think he can make the difference. Its not bad when you have Casemiro, Bruno and Jadon Sancho.”
The trio is an experimental one, unproven as a midfield three together, and this first venture was cut short after just 34 minutes by the officials.
Sancho’s game was mixed. He struggled to make an impact, with no chances created and no shots at goal.
United fans expect a little more. This was his first start in two and a half weeks, and he has not completed 90 minutes since his return.
Only when he is playing 90 minutes regularly will United see the best of him, but he needs to give a little more first, to give Ten Hag more reason to keep him on for the entire game.
While the manager’s words were positive for Sancho, his actions were different, substituting him off when United still needed a goal.