Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy has lifted the lid on why Jadon Sancho refused to apologise to Erik ten Hag following his social media outburst and subsequent exile last year.
Sancho was seen as one of the biggest signings Man United had made in years when he arrived at the club in 2021, especially given the saga surrounding the move, but it’s fair to say his time at Old Trafford hasn’t lived up to expectations thus far.
It then transpired that ten Hag didn’t feel this was, at least in part, down to the youngster’s effort levels in training and he said as much in a press conference, leading the 24-year-old to rebut the claim very publicly online – a decision which saw him banished from first-team training and club facilities.
The Dutchman reportedly said Sancho would be able to return to the fold if he just gave him an apology, but that still hasn’t happened and now McCarthy has revealed the very simple reason why.
“I think Jadon feels that if he apologises, then he’s going to be classed as someone who doesn’t train hard, that doesn’t work hard and that everything that was said against him was true.
“And if you are from the streets, no one wants to apologise; you [would have to] admit you are not training well, you are lazy, everything you are accused of. Jadon wasn’t going to have that. The manager just said that all he wants is an apology.
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“I spoke to Jadon as a coach, as a mentor, as a friend, and as someone who grew up on the streets and knows the code, but Jadon just wasn’t seeing it”, said McCarthy.
The 46-year-old went on to add that United loanee and England international (who was left out of the provisional England squad for the Euros) told him: “I ain’t apologising because if I do, I’m apologising for being lazy, always being late, not giving my best. That’s what I’m apologizing for.”
A former forward himself – one who was hailed for improving United’s attackers last season – the coach clearly empathises with the talented winger but was careful not to be anything other than impartial and didn’t give any further hints as to where the situation is at now.
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Now finding himself in his first-ever Champions League final after rediscovering some of the form that made so many clubs want to sign back on loan at his former club, Borussia Dortmund, Sancho is still contracted to United and could go on to deliver the ultimate vindication if they beat Real Madrid.
Moreover, with ten Hag’s future at United still uncertain despite his side’s impressive victory over Man City in the FA Cup final, the door could be open for a virtually seamless return to Old Trafford and a fresh start for the number 25.
As for whether he ultimately stays and Sancho apologises, only time will tell but to get a player of his talent back in the squad whilst fully fit and firing could be massive for the club next season. Then again, if they remain at an impasse, they might just try and recoup as much money as possible.
Etihad Stadium showcases City Hall, the new beating heart of Manchester City match days
Lonnie Bowes
There’s a particular kind of Manchester buzz you only get pitch-side. If you’re a seasoned Cityzen this one’s for you – one of three major new hospitality options for your next game day at the Etihad Stadium.
Tucked in the heart of the new Pep Guardiola Stand, directly behind the goal, we have the brand-new City Hall.
City Hall is built for people who actually want to watch football in comfort, and with a massive 500 capacity hall a stone’s throw from the pitch, it’s a hard one to pass up.
Doors open a full two hours before the match, and that early access turns the day into an occasion rather than a scramble.
There’s time to properly soak up the atmosphere in what is a genuinely lively, buzzing bar, and I have to say potentially one of the best I’ve come across on a match day.
Food and drink are where the local flavour really comes through. The street food menu leans into Manchester’s own identity with a modern twist.
The catering is relaxed and doesn’t take itself too seriously, let’s just say having a chip barm and chicken madras pie on the run-up to a kick-off is my idea of heaven.
Every guest gets an inclusive drink as part of your booking, too. You get to pick from a selected wine, beer or soft drink which you can claim at any point during your visit.
It’s a setup that suits everyone, whether you’re in it for a proper pre-match pint with your mates or meal with your family before a day of making pitch side memories.
The little touches matter too. A matchday programme is a nice, old-school addition in an era where so much matchday content has gone digital.
And crucially, the experience doesn’t end at the final whistle: with an hour’s access after the match, there’s no need to bolt for the exits the second the referee blows for full-time. You can sit and finish your drink, and let the ground empty out around you instead of fighting through it.
Put it all together and City Hall feels like hospitality done with an actual sense of place.
Manchester street food, a proper buzzing bar, and one of the best seats in the house, all wrapped around a schedule that respects the fact that match day is about more than just the 90 minutes.
For anyone looking to upgrade how they watch City this season, it’s well worth a look.
Have a look and make a booking at City Hall at the Etihad Stadium HERE.
The road to the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford has been confirmed
Daisy Jackson
The road to one of the biggest nights in rugby league has officially been mapped out, with the 2026 Betfred Super League Grand Final set to return to Manchester’s Old Trafford this October.
Following the final round of regular-season action, the four play-off ties have now been confirmed as the battle for a place at the home of Manchester United enters its final stages.
And there’s plenty for Greater Manchester sports fans to get excited about.
Wigan Warriors have secured the League Leaders’ Shield after an emphatic 50-12 victory over Catalans Dragons, with Matt Peet’s side running in nine tries to finish top of the table.
The result keeps Wigan’s hopes of an incredible treble alive, having already lifted the Betfred Challenge Cup back in May.
They’ll now have a week off while the opening play-off ties take place, as will second-placed Leeds Rhinos.
The first eliminator sees Wakefield Trinity welcome Leigh Leopards on Friday 18 September, with kick-off at 8pm.
Then, on Saturday 19 September, Warrington Wolves take on Hull KR at 5.30pm.
The winners of those games will progress to the semi-finals, while the losing sides will face the two highest-ranked teams in the competition.
The road to the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford has been confirmed. Credit: Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com
Leeds will host the highest-ranked eliminator loser on Friday 25 September at 8pm.
Then, 24 hours later, Wigan will welcome the lowest-ranked loser to the Brick Community Stadium for their semi-final, with that one kicking off at 5.30pm on Saturday 26 September.
For Wigan, it represents a huge opportunity to take another step towards an historic treble – and ultimately a return to Old Trafford.
The Grand Final itself takes place on Saturday 3 October, with the action getting underway at 6pm.
As ever, the biggest prize in Super League will be decided under the lights at Old Trafford, with the two remaining sides battling it out in front of what is expected to be another huge crowd in Manchester.
Danny Jones -
31st May 2024 
