Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag admitted that he was pleased with Jadon Sancho's contributions from the attacking-midfield position during Sunday's goalless draw with Southampton at Old Trafford.
Making just his second Premier League start since returning from his absence, the 22-year-old came into the side at the expense of Fred, with Ten Hag opting to select a very attack-minded line-up. With Antony and Marcus Rashford occupying the wide roles, Sancho started as the No.10.
That meant Bruno Fernandes dropped into a deeper role, sitting alongside Casemiro until the Brazilian was sent off during the first half. Sancho, who also drifted out wide at times, particularly to the right, offered a solid account of himself and it was enough to impress Ten Hag.
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''I think he did quite well as a No.10," said Ten Hag. "Like he did against Barcelona and Leicester.
"He was really decisive against Leicester and also today with some really good actions. One time, he was really close to the goal with a run at the defending line and a cross to Bruno almost came there. He did a good job.''
Sancho, who joined United in July 2021, will be hoping to keep his place in Ten Hag's first-choice starting line-up, operating either as a winger or as an attacking midfielder from central areas. And Ten Hag believes the England international can influence games from the centre when United are well-stocked in midfield.
Asked if the former Borussia Dortmund man can become a difference maker, the United boss added: "I think he can, I think he can make the difference when we play three against two in the midfield. And that is not bad when you have Casemiro and Bruno and you have Jadon Sancho.''
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