Sancho to leave Man Utd: Ten Hag insists on 'survival of the fittest'

Tom Weber

• Updated: 17 Aug 2024 13:33 BST
• 4 min read

Erik ten Hag made the conscious choice to omit Jadon Sancho from Manchester United's Premier League opener, he has revealed.

The winger's future at Old Trafford is more open than ever despite his rapprochement with coach Ten Hag earlier this summer. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has repeatedly insisted that the 24-year-old could yet leave Man Utd before the window shuts.

Talks with PSG have taken place, as confirmed by FootballTransfers, but the Parisians have just signed Desire Doue for €50 million from Stade Rennais for the left-wing position. This means that a move for Sancho is unlikely. Nevertheless, he still has options and talks with interested parties continue.

READ MORE: Man Utd target Ugarte 'pushing like crazy' - Romano

On Friday, shock links with a Chelsea move emerged. It was claimed that the Blues were open to making an approach for Sancho, either taking him permanently in exchange for a fee and players or on an initial loan with an obligation to buy.

While the chances of this materialising, it has to be said, appear very slim indeed, it is evident that Sancho has no future at Man Utd.

Ten Hag explains Fulham omission

Ten Hag appeared to make this clear by omitting Sancho from Man Utd's opening game of the new Premier League season against Fulham, which the Red Devils won 1-0 thanks to a late goal from new signing Joshua Zirkzee.

Speaking after the match, Ten Hag explained that Sancho had an ear infection midweek but that he could have played. The Dutchman, however, simply chose not to pick him, he revealed.

READ MORE: It's official! Man Utd have a new star as Zirkzee makes astonishing debut

"First of all we need squad depth, this season will be survival of the fittest, I can only put 20 players in the squad," Ten Hag said. "Then Jadon in the week had an ear infection, he was not 100 per cent fit.

"He could play but we made the choice, we preferred others on the bench. But that can change. It will change. We can't play everyone the same, you see today how important the subs are.

"Sometimes frustrating for the player, but it's about the team, club, there will be more players in this position, we expect them to fight for the club."