Jadon Sancho’s World Cup hopes could well have evaporated

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Jadon Sancho‘s World Cup hopes could well have evaporated after the England international was dropped by Erik ten Hag.

For the first time in Ten Hag’s short tenure at Old Trafford, the 22-year-old was named on the bench for a Premier League fixture.

The former Borussia Dortmund superstar was one of three players who started against Omonia Nicosia who were dropped to the bench against Everton last night.

With Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford coming into the starting line-up, both Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo started the clash against the Toffees on the bench.

Jadon Sancho’s World Cup hopes could well have evaporated

When Martial needed to be replaced on the half four mark, the former Ajax boss opted to bring Ronaldo on ahead of Sancho.

The 52-year-old could have brought on United’s number 25 and played him in his favoured left-wing role with Rashford moving into a central position.

But the Dutchman opted against bringing on United’s £73m signing and instead went with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

It proved to be a shrewd move by Ten Hag as Ronaldo netted his 700th club goal in his career, which ensured the Red Devils left Merseyside with all three points.

But for Sancho, it was a blow that couldn’t have possibly come at a worst time.

Ten Hag wasn’t happy with how Malacia and Sancho performed in the first half against Omonia on Thursday, and they both played their part in the Cypriot side taking the lead.

And with Luke Shaw and Rashford linking up well down United’s left last night, the pair might have to wait patiently to come back into the Premier League starting line-up.

They may get a chance to redeem themselves against Neil Lennon’s Omonia at Old Trafford on Thursday, but it’s very likely that Ten Hag will continue with Shaw and Rashford down United’s left when we host Newcastle United on Sunday.

With Antony seemingly nailing down the right-wing position, Sancho may have to accept playing back-up to both the former Ajax man and Rashford.

If Martial faces another spell on the sidelines, then it’s likely that Ronaldo could start his first Premier League game since the 4-0 mauling to Brentford in mid-August.

But with Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad selection drawing ever nearer, it’s looking extremely likely that Sancho won’t be heading to Qatar.

After being overlooked for last month’s UEFA Nations League games, Sancho hasn’t impressed since club football resumed.

And with West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen recently opening his Premier League account for the season, Sancho could well be one of the most high-profile casualties who isn’t heading for the Middle East next month.

While Rashford is doing all he can to grab Southgate’s attention, the same cannot be said for Sancho.