Erik ten Hag says the reception Manchester United fans gave Jadon Sancho upon his return to action last week will give him added motivation to succeed.
The winger entered the pitch to a roar of adulation from the Old Trafford crowd when he came on during the second half of last week’s 2-0 League Cup semi-final second leg win over Nottingham Forest.
That was the 22-year-old’s first outing since October. Sancho was put on an individualised training programme over the festive period to get his physical and mental form back on track.
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He would have made his 16th appearance of the season if Casemiro had not been shown a red card in Saturday’s win over Crystal Palace, Ten Hag later revealed. The United boss was seen smiling next to a beaming Sancho before he came on against Forest.
He noted the huge greeting he was given by United fans when he stepped back onto the Old Trafford grass and outlined what impact that would have on Sancho going forward. Reflecting on Sancho's entry against Forest, Ten Hag told club media: "I think the best moment was how the fans embraced him.
“That reception, it will beckon and it will motivate him to bring even more. The fans like his game and he is a brilliant football player. We are happy to have him back because he can contribute with his creativity, speed and intelligence. He can decide football games and that is also what we expect from him. He will do just that."
Antony has been ruled out of Wednesday’s clash with Leeds which could open the door for Sancho to make his first start since October’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
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