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Man United coach Benni McCarthy reveals why Jadon Sancho refused to apologise to Erik ten Hag

It's sounds like a very easy fix but the chances of it happening sound slim.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 31st May 2024

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.

Speaking in an interview on South African radio station, 947 Joburg, the ex-Porto, Blackburn, West Ham star explained: “I spoke to the manager and I said to him that you know the delicacy [of the situation]…

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“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.”

The PFA offers to help resolve rift between Jadon Sancho and Erik ten Hag as exile continues
Even the PFA offered to step in and try to find a reconciliation.

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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.

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Featured Images — Ardfern (via Wikimedia Commons)/Manchester United/soccer.ru

Sport

Manchester Storm’s record-breaking return to AO Arena goes down a storm with fans

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Manchester Storm's return to the AO Arena. Credit: Supplied

Manchester Storm have made their grand return to the AO Arena, after more than two decades away from their former home.

And it appears the ice hockey craze (which may have been spurred on by a certain Heated Rivalry) is here to stay, with record-breaking numbers piling into the venue for Sunday’s match against Sheffield Steelers.

The AO Arena has now shared that a record crowd of 11,000 fans attended the long-awaited Manchester Storm homecoming last week.

The action has gone down a storm with fans, with plenty of chatter on social media (and videos of a certain fight) doing the rounds.

Manchester Storm’s homecoming has now smashed the record for an Elite Hockey pre-season fixture, with fans travelling from across Manchester and beyond.

As the team enters this new era, bidding farewell to the ‘Storm Shelter’ in Altrincham that’s been their home for a decade, demand for tickets is continuing to grow.

@elizabeth_ivy

First game at the AO Arena and Jeni BRINGS IT 💪💜⛈️🏒 #manchesterstorm @Manchester Storm #eihl #icehockeyedit

♬ Can’t Stop – Bare Up

This is the first time fans have been able to see the club on the ice at the AO Arena since 2004, and last weekend they thrilled supporters with a 5-5 draw agains the Steelers.

Manchester Storm is now set to bring approximately 35 games to the city centre each year, providing a
regular programme of major sporting events for Manchester and its visitors.

It also brings elite-level hockey back to one of Europe’s largest indoor sporting arenas.

Manchester Storm's return to the AO Arena. Credit: Supplied
Manchester Storm's return to the AO Arena. Credit: Supplied
Manchester Storm's return to the AO Arena. Credit: Supplied

Gemma Vaughan, General Manager at the AO Arena says, “Tonight is a hugely significant moment for Manchester.

“To welcome Manchester Storm back to their former home after more than 20 years, and to do so in front of a record Elite Hockey League crowd, is incredibly special.

“The response from supporters has demonstrated the strength of Manchester’s passion for ice hockey and the demand for world-class sport in the city. We’re proud to be able to provide a home for the Storm as they begin this exciting new chapter.”

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Featured image: Supplied

Sport

Erling Haaland has named his four favourite films… and fans have a lot to say on it

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Erling Haaland has answered the all-important question.

The question heard around the world, the question on everyone’s lips, a question that has absolutely nothing to do with football whatsoever… that’s right, he’s answered Letterboxd’s famous question of ‘what are your four favourite films?’.

If you’re unaware of what Letterboxd is, it describes itself as being an ‘online diary platform and app for film lovers’ and it gives users the chance to display their four favourite films at the top of their profile for all to see (and judge).

An extension of this has then been Letterboxd asking celebrities in press junket interviews and on red carpets what their ‘four faves’ are – and it’s gone on to become something of a phenomenon in the film world.

Everyone from massive A-list movie stars, to indie darlings and up-and-coming names have answered this question before, and now (it appears) to be Erling Haaland’s turn.

He’s not the first footballer to be tasked with question though, as the entire Spurs team was ambushed with it by former player – and famously massive cinephile – Alfie Whiteman last year, but it’s fair to say that after the summer he’s had with Norway at the World Cup, achieving international fame in the process, that Haaland is one of the most high-profile to answer it in a long while.

So, what’s on Erling’s list then?

Well, to self-confessed ‘film bros’ out there, you’re not going to find any deep cuts in this selection unfortunately, and you’re probably not going to get any recommendations for movies you haven’t seen before either, but come on, he is only a footballer after all.

Erling Haaland has named his four favourite films… and fans have a lot to say on it / Credit: Letterboxd

First up for the Manchester City striker is a pretty common pick by straight white men, it’s The Wolf of Wall Street, and he doesn’t give much of a reason for it, other than just suggesting: “I think you understand why”.

He then follows that up with Ridley Scott’s classic Gladiator, calling it ‘amazing’, before naming 2004’s epic Troy, and then rounding it out with a Christmas favourite for many, Home Alone, adding that he ‘watched it a lot as a kid, and then again now’.

As for fan reaction to Haaland’s four favourites, let’s just say it’s been mixed.

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Among the 1,000+ comments on the Instagram video, you’ll find just as many people called him ‘king’ and saying he has ‘goated’ taste, as you will comments like this: “He has the most male gazed top four in history of Letterboxd.”

After all, you can’t please everyone.

Featured Image – Letterboxd (via Facebook)

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