Reports suggest that a division has emerged among Manchester United players regarding manager Erik ten Hag’s decision to sideline Jadon Sancho.
Earlier this month, the club revealed that the 23-year-old would be training separately due to a “squad discipline issue.”
Sancho had publicly refuted Ten Hag’s comments, which attributed his absence from the squad for the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal to his training performances. He claimed he had been unfairly made a “scapegoat.”
Despite not apologizing to the United manager, Sancho remains sidelined indefinitely.
talkSPORT has reported that a section of United’s first-team players disagrees with Ten Hag’s choice to exclude Sancho from the squad.
This development follows a Manchester Evening News report suggesting that several United players are becoming frustrated with Ten Hag’s criticisms as the team struggles with their recent poor form. United has suffered three losses in their first five Premier League games, along with a defeat in their Champions League Group A opener against Bayern Munich.
“**Dressing room sources**” cited by the Manchester Evening News claimed that some players believe Ten Hag has favorites in the squad who are exempt from criticism, while others feel they are frequently singled out by the manager.
Regarding Sancho’s potential return to the team, Ten Hag stated, “It depends on him. For now, our focus is on preparing for Burnley, and he will not be part of the squad.”
He further addressed reports of dressing room unrest, saying, “I don’t know if it’s a leak, but I know opinions, and I know my players. Everyone can make suggestions, and we are open to that. At United, you have to win every game, so it doesn’t change anything. As always, it’s about how we play against Burnley, and there are no easy games, especially not against Burnley.”