Erik ten Hag wants Jadon Sancho to keep smiling after the winger made a beaming return to action for Manchester United against Nottingham Forest.
The 22-year-old made his first appearance for the club in 102 days after taking time away after physical and mental issues, but he was given a rapturous reception when he came off the bench on the hour mark.
Sancho came on with a wide smile and shared a joke with Ten Hag as he stood on the touchline. At the final whistle he was the last United player to leave the pitch, clapping all four stands as he made his way off.
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Ten Hag is pleased to see Sancho enjoying his football and praised the supporters for their response to the winger's return.
"Most important players enjoy football, which gives energy, that gives them the motivation to act and to perform," said Ten Hag.
"I think it was great, the reception from the fans to him, and also that will give him even more a push to continue in the way he’s now acting, he's just started again, the restart he’s back at Carrington for two weeks, we see that smile and hopefiully he can keep that and contribute to the team.
"He has really high standards, great capabilities to contribute to our team, especially now the team is improving, we’re playing more in the opposition half, his capabilities come in more in front and come in more, he can have more touches on the ball, that is what his game gives the best performances, the best platform to perform."
Sancho started the season brightly, scoring crucial goals against Liverpool and Leicester City in the Premier League, before losing his way before the World Cup.
While the tournament was taking place in Qatar he was undergoing an individual fitness programme with coaches recommended by Ten Hag in the Netherlands and the United manager is confident the £73million man can now return to his best form.
"He already showed that [he can be a matchwinner] this season. For instance, the game vs Liverpool, a great goal, scored against Leicester, he had some really good games, Spurs, he already showed his great capabilities," he said.
"I hope, same as [Anthony] Martial, when you are all the time available and play often together with the players we have now in the midfield and frontline, our attacking plan will improve and create more chances, then it’s a process players enjoy more and better motivated to work together."
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