Why Ten Hag’s Sancho praise is not all it seems

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 3 May 2024 16:35 BST
• 4 min read

Beyond being Manchester United outcasts, Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood both have one thing in common: they are assets that the Old Trafford club want rid of but have to protect the value of.

The attacking pair both find themselves out on loan having been unceremoniously kicked out of the club, rendering them transfer headaches before the summer window.

Naturally, questions have been broached about both to the hierarchy of the club.

READ MORE: Man Utd lucky to miss out on 'best defender in the world'

Current ETV

Jadon Sancho

AM (RL), M (L)

Dortmund

Jadon Sancho

AM (RL), M (L)

Dortmund

€34.1M

ETV Range

€25.6M - €42.6M

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The future of both is the subject of frenzied transfer rumours.

Greenwood, who has had accusations of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm dropped after denying the charges, has been linked with a contract extension at the club despite spending the season shunted on loan to Getafe.

Sancho, who had a very public falling out with manager Erik ten Hag in September, has been praised by the Dutchman meanwhile.

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“He showed why Manchester United bought him and why he represents a high value for Manchester United,” said Ten Hag of Sancho’s display against PSG in a 1-0 Champions League win for Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.

“That is good. I'm happy for Jadon, with his performance yesterday. We'll see what is going to happen in the future.”

This was said through gritted teeth, if not literally, at least metaphorically.

Sancho comments all about money

The key word Ten Hag used was “value”. That’s ultimately what his statement and the report that Man Utd want to keep Greenwood boil down to.

It’s all about protecting the sell-on fee of these players. If Man Utd make it overtly public that they want rid of them, clubs will lowball them on transfer offers.

HITC have reported that the leak over Greenwood’s contract was made just for this purpose and the likelihood is that these Sancho comments have been made in a similar vain.

At least pretending these players have a potential future at Old Trafford at least forces bidders to make reasonable offers.

Statements like the one Ten Hag made a little more than political tools clubs use to protect their investments. It is unlikely that he is truly extending an olive branch to Sancho, a player he had been at the throat of for four months before a loan to Dortmund that was clearly welcome for everyone.