Why Ten Hag's Sancho revelation hints at Man Utd transfer business

Stuart Telford

• 6 Jan 2023 10:51 GMT
• 3 min read

Jadon Sancho's rehabilitation in the Netherlands provides a clue as to Manchester United's transfer business in the winter window…

The only transfer movement at Old Trafford this winter has been outgoing, with Cristiano Ronaldo released following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan on the eve of the World Cup, and back-up goalkeeper Martin Dubravka recalled early from his loan from Newcastle.

United were in negotiations with PSV Eindhoven and Netherlands attacker Cody Gakpo, but he joined Liverpool in a €57 million deal instead.

READ: Marcus Rashford: Why Man Utd shouldn't go shopping for a No.9

Gakpo occupies largely the same positions as Sancho on a football field - preferring to start on the flank rather than right up front - and Erik ten Hag's recent comments about Sancho shed light on why United aren't prepared to spend big on a winger.

"There are some processes you can't force, and this is one of them," he said of Sancho's recent rehabilitation programme, designed to get him back on track both physically and mentally.

Sancho 'not a robot'

"Football players aren't robots. No-one is the same and you need an individual approach. We thought that, in co-operation with Jadon, this was the best choice.

READ: 'He hasn't become a bad footballer overnight' - what Sancho can do to rescue Man Utd career

"We have some hurdles to take but I think he's in a good direction. I would be really happy the moment he returns to the squad for team training. That's the next step."

Sancho has missed United's last 10 games, nine of them victories, and he will re-join a stable of wingers that also includes the €100m Antony, nascent Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony Elanga. Amad Diallo remains on loan with Sunderland.

United are primarily in the market for a No.9 following Ronaldo's departure. Top scorer Marcus Rashford prefers playing on the left while Anthony Martial's injury record is a cause for concern.

But even the right profile - that of an out-and-out striker - might only be acquired on loan in the current window with the Glazer family unlikely to spend big on a player while the club itself remains on the market.