Sancho 'has had issues all the way through' Man Utd spell, Ten Hag admits

Suraj Radia

• 14 Jan 2024 13:32 GMT
• 3 min read

Erik ten Hag has admitted that Jadon Sancho has had issues ‘all the way through’ his time at Manchester United following the winger’s loan move to Dortmund this week.

Sancho had been exiled from Ten Hag’s squad since August after a bust up with the United boss which he refused to apologise for his part in, ultimately leading to a return to his former club on loan until the end of the season.

When asked about the truth behind the fallout, Ten Hag told Sky Sports: “He's now at Dortmund. So after he was signed, one year before [I was here], and there were issues. We have had issues all the way through, and so you can make out his stay at Manchester United so far is not a success.

“So now he is going back to Dortmund, so I wish him the best of luck. I hope, we all hope he is doing well there, he will be successful. Again, we will see what is going to happen.”

Ten Hag was also asked about Sancho’s refusal to apologise, to which he replied: “We have said that before. And I don't want every time to return to the point. He knows what he should do and we have made that clear.

“It was also so clear and obvious about his performance so let's stop this discussion. He is to Dortmund and we wish him the best of luck.”

Sancho ‘just wants to be happy again’ at Dortmund

Sancho came off the bench to provide an assist on his return to Dortmund and pundits praised the 23-year-old’s work rate and effort levels, with the player having trained on his own to stay fit during his absence.

Speaking after the game, Sancho admitted his joy at returning to his former side and insisted his aim for his loan spell was just ‘to be happy again’.

"Ever since I've come back I have felt like at home and felt great to be on the pitch again," Sancho said.

"[My goal is] to be happy again, to be back on the pitch and to help the team, get them back in the top three and qualify for the Champions League. I've got personal goals which I'm not going to say for now. I just want to help the team and I'm very positive about the second half of the season."