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

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Benni McCarthy explains reason why Jadon Sancho wont' apologise to Erik ten Hag

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]…

“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.

“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.”

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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.

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