Manchester United are standing by Erik ten Hag’s comments about Jadon Sancho following their 3-1 defeat to Arsenal, with the player risking disciplinary action over his social media outburst after the game.
United sources say there is “nothing to add” to Ten Hag’s comments, with the Dutchman revealing after the loss at the Emirates Stadium that he had omitted Sancho from the matchday squad due to “his performances in training”. That prompted a rebuttal from the 23-year-old, who claimed on Twitter that he had been made a “scapegoat”.
The club and Ten Hag have opted against making a public statement in response to Sancho’s post. Manager and player are, however, expected to speak in the coming days in an attempt to resolve this issue.
Ten Hag has been unhappy with Sancho’s performances in training for weeks, leading to the selection of academy prospects Hannibal Mejbri (20) and Dan Gore (18) on the substitutes’ bench ahead of the winger on Sunday.
Ten Hag afforded Sancho time away from the first-team squad between October and February last season to overcome physical and mental issues, with United’s manager personally appointing his own coaches in the Netherlands to help the player get back on track.
Sancho marked his Premier League return with a goal against Leeds on 8 February but managed just three goals in 25 matches thereafter and hasn’t started a game this season. His United record since joining the club from Borussia Dortmund for £73m in July 2021 stands at 12 goals in 82 appearances and he has not played for England since October 2021.
Eric Bailly has completed a permanent move to Besiktas from Manchester United, the Turkish club have announced.
Ivory Coast defender Bailly, 29, had spent last season on loan at Marseille as he was not in Erik ten Hag's plans going forward.
A statement from the Turkish Super Lig side read: "Our club has reached an agreement with Manchester United for the final transfer of Ivorian defender Eric Bailly.
"We wish Eric Bailly, who we believe will provide important services to our club, great success with our glorious jersey, and present it to the public with our respect." PA Media
Ten Hag has developed a reputation as a disciplinarian since taking the reins at Old Trafford, terminating the contract of Cristiano Ronaldo last year after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan in which the Portuguese forward said he felt “betrayed” by the manager. This summer he stripped Harry Maguire of the captaincy and released David de Gea, United’s longest-serving player. In December he also left Marcus Rashford on the bench for a game at Wolves after the forward had reported late to a team meeting.
Now Ten Hag has laid down the law with Sancho, believing the player has been provided with the required support to thrive at Old Trafford and has not responded with an acceptable attitude in training. That despite the player’s insistence on Sunday that he has conducted himself well, adding: “I believe there are other reasons for this matter that I won’t get into.”
