Erik ten Hag has discussed Jadon Sancho’s return after the winger made his first appearance for Manchester United since October.
Sancho came off the bench as United beat Nottingham Forest to reach the Carabao Cup final, with second-half goals from Anthony Martial and Fred sealing a 5-0 aggregate win and final date with Newcastle at Wembley.
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The 22-year-old was introduced in the second half and received a warm welcome from the home crowd, having spent much of the past two months on an extensive individual training programme away from the main group.
Ten Hag said Sancho’s absence was due to the winger being “not in the right status or fitness state,” but was pleased with his performance on his return to the side and hinted at a new central role for the England international.
“I thought it was great, the fans they gave him love and I think he enjoyed it. He enjoyed it, to be back on the pitch,” he told Sky Sports.
“I’ve seen in the last couple of weeks at Carrington smiling and I hope he can keep the process going and have a huge contribution to the season.
“With Jadon, I know he can play as a No.10 as well, he can play as a winger, he can play as a No.10. But I think we mix it around often and that is what I like. But the position has to be occupied, it is about that. And players have to keep the discipline to do that, otherwise it is going to be a mess.”
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