The Athletic has reported what actually transpired between Sancho and Eric Ten Hag that led to the expulsion from the team.
In the media, Ten Hag accused Sancho of not reaching the level he wanted. Sancho was further accused of indiscipline and nonchalant attitudes towards his training.
Before the matter, Sancho had cut a dejected figure after he couldn’t penetrate Ten Hag’s starting eleven. He got started rarely and barely finished 90 minutes on each start.
He was bought from Borussia Dortmund after announcing himself as a world class player in Germany. He was purchased by Manchester United to win league and trophies, but things took wrong turns.
Sancho reacted in the press by stating that what his coach said about him was wrong. His interview raised dust and threatened to tear down the dressing room.
Eric Ten Hag demanded apology from Sancho, but Sancho refused, until he was expelled from the team. His expulsion was to help keep the dressing room together.
Sancho finally secured a loan back to Dortmund. He shone brightly in Germany, and helped his team reach a Champions League final, which they lost to Real Madrid.
Months after the issue, a leading sports news outlet has revealed what happened. Laurie Whithwell spoke exclusively to Athletic.
“Before Arsenal game in September, during a training session, Jadon Sancho did not commit to pressing as an opposition player in the practice match in the way Erik ten Hag wanted”, says Laurie Whithwell.
“Sancho was offered the chance to end his involvement early, which he took by walking off the pitch — this is why Ten Hag referenced his training levels in that famous interview”, Laurie continues.
“After Erik Ten Hag’s second game at United, away to Brentford, Sancho told Ten Hag that United had bought the wrong player [him] because he prefers to play on the left, rather than the right. This is why Ten Hag decided to sign Antony in the remaining days of the transfer market”.
Sancho will not likely return to Manchester United again. His transfer is seriously being negotiated with his former club poised to resign him.
