In mid-September, Jadon Sancho faced exclusion from Manchester United’s training squad as he declined to apologize for accusing manager Erik ten Hag of making him a “scapegoat.” Ten Hag had criticized Sancho’s training performance and omitted him from a match against Arsenal, emphasizing the need for high-level consistency at the club.
Since then, the 23-year-old has been absent from United’s lineup, with Ten Hag specifying that reintegration hinged on a sincere apology. Reports suggest strict rules for Sancho, including separate meals and limited interaction at the training ground. Training in isolation, he uses facilities shared with the academy players.
Despite over six weeks passing, there’s been little indication of Sancho’s readiness to apologize. Recent revelations suggest a potential return to his former club, Borussia Dortmund, which is keen on bringing back the promising winger who flourished during his four-year stint in Germany.
Sancho’s move to Manchester United in July 2021 for €85 million was initially aimed at filling the right-wing role. However, his time at Borussia Dortmund saw him often on the opposite flank, leading to competition with Marcus Rashford for a starting spot, limiting his regular first-team position.
This turmoil has not only affected Sancho’s club career but also impacted his international standing with England. Post Euro 2020, where he missed a crucial penalty in the final, his progress has slowed.
As the weeks pass with no sign of an apology, the speculation surrounding Sancho’s future continues, with the possibility of a return to Dortmund gaining traction, potentially ending his challenging stint at Manchester United.
