Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho has released a statement disputing the supposed reason why manager Erik ten Hag dropped him against Arsenal over the weekend.
ten Hag‘s side were on the receiving end of a 3-1 defeat against the Gunners on Sunday after what they thought would be the winner was ruled offside and the home team went on to put two late goals past goalkeeper André Onana in the very dying embers of the game.
Moreover, even before the kick-off, there was lots of discussion surrounding the team selection after it was reported that both Sancho and Scott McTominay did not travel with the matchday squad at all despite numerous injuries in several different positions.
Speaking after the full-time whistle, the Dutchman explained that due to “his performance in training we didn’t select him,” adding that “you have to reach the level every day at Manchester United. You can make choices in the front line, so in this game, he wasn’t selected.” Sancho, however, sees it differently.
Sancho’s statement dismissing ten Hag’s reason for dropping him from the squad entirely.
Issuing a response on X, the Man United and England winger said: “Please don’t believe everything you read! I will not allow people saying things that [are] completely untrue. I have conducted myself in training very well this week.
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The 23-year-old “I believe there are other reasons for this matter that I won’t get into, I’ve been a scapegoat for a long time which isn’t fair!”
Sancho went on to insist, “All I want to do is to play football with a smile on my face and contribute to my team. I respect all decisions that are made by the coaching staff, I play with fantastic players and grateful to do so which I know every week is a challenge. I will continue to fight for this badge no matter what!”
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Sancho has failed to nail down a consistent starting spot in the United XI ever since he joined the club in 2021 and it’s safe to say he has struggled to hit the same heights he showed at Borussia Dortmund. Meanwhile, journalist Fabrizio Romano has since reported that the coaching staff have been unhappy with training levels for some time now.
Ten Hag and some of his #mufc staff have not been happy with Jadon Sancho's level of training. Tensions have been around for the past two to three weeks.
Sancho thinks there is something else and those close to him insist he is doing his best.
With ten Hag also supposedly of the belief that he helped the talented young attacker through a difficult period of form and confidence last season, with Sancho having undergone two months of solo training abroad at the end of 2022, it appears there has been some tension between the two for a few weeks.
All that being said, Sancho did impress many fans during pre-season operating in a new role and did actually score against Arsenal during their friendly back in July, so was understandably frustrated not to have featured in the game.
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While it remains to be seen what substance there is to this apparent rift, both the player and his coach will no doubt be hoping he now feels he has a point to prove and fights his way back into the team.
It wasn’t the only moment of tension surrounding the fixture either as club legend turned pundit Roy Keane was reportedly ‘headbutted’ by an Arsenal fan around full-time and had to be separated by security and Sky Sports colleague Micah Richards. Police are now investigating the incident.
Featured Image — Jadon Sancho/Manchester United (via Instagram)
Sport
Tributes pour in as former Rochdale and Bury midfielder Joe Thompson dies at just 36
Danny Jones
Awful news to share with you this bank holiday, as former Rochdale and Bury FC midfielderJoe Thompson has sadly passed away. He was just 36 years old.
Born in Bath, he spent time at both Man United and Rochdale’s academies before representing the first team, as well as representing fellow Greater Manchester club Bury and other teams in the North West – a region where he built a life with his partner and his two kids.
The ex-pro ultimately had to retire from football following a long battle with cancer, having been given the all clear from stage four lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) twice before during his playing days, before tragically receiving a heartbreaking third diagnosis last April.
News of his death broke on Good Friday, 18 April, having “passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning”. His wife Chantelle and eldest daughter Thailula shared a lengthy and heartbreaking statement on social media.
Confirming that he passed surrounded by his family, they wrote: “Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.
“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters, who will now carry his light and legacy on, and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day […] I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.”
Addressing their followers directly, who have been unwavering in their support for Joe and his family over recent years, The Thompsons went on to add: “Long may his legacy and impact live on! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us… We are all forever grateful.”
They also announced that his funeral will be an open service to allow others inspired by his story, charity work, from his Dale days saving the club from relegation and more to pay their respects, with more details to follow soon.
Countless figures from around the footballing world have joined the likes of the Red Devils and his other former clubs in paying touching tributes to the inspiring individual.
A man who epitomised our club's values ❤️
We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.
A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/40ddQpyRTi
Very sad news, to battle cancer once is extremely brave but to battle it three times is not just brave but you need a strong mindset and obviously Joe had that to keep fighting. Thoughts with Joe’s family and friends.
Joe and his family were friends with our very own Amy here at The Manc, so it goes without saying that we offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched – our thoughts are with all of them at this difficult time.
She said: “To one of the most incredible men I have ever met – Joe it was an unbelievable honour to have known you, you were the light in any room, and I can’t believe we have to carry on in this world without you.
“To the guy with the best laugh and best waves, you will forever be missed.”
Inside Manchester’s new padel club with a Pot Kettle Black cafe and courtside cocktail bar
Daisy Jackson
Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world, and it’s really picking up speed in Manchester now too with another city centre club opening this month.
The Pollen Club is a little different to the others, in that it’s fully undercover and protected from Manchester’s less-than-favourable weather.
And another thing that makes it a must-visit is the cafe attached to it – a third site for the beloved Pot Kettle Black.
The Pollen Club and Pot Kettle Black have both taken over a prominent city centre spot just off Deansgate, at the foot of the recently-opened Treehouse Hotel.
There are two state-of-the-art padel courts inside, with a mezzanine terrace for enjoy Pot Kettle Black’s offerings.
In summer, there are plans to launch a bar downstairs too, where you can sip spritzes courtside from loungers and swing seats.
The exciting new Manchester padel club will host pop up events, DJ takeovers and an extended evening food offering.
Pot Kettle Black are part of the new padel clubInside Manchester’s new padel club, The Pollen ClubPot Kettle Black are part of the new padel club
And even if you’re not heading inside The Pollen Club, Pot Kettle Black has a grab-and-go hatch facing onto Blackfriars Street, making their delicious coffees, sandwiches and pastries (from their own bakery Half Dozen Other) even more accessible.
Commenting on the opening of the new site, Pot Kettle Black co-owner, Mark Flanagan said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have opened our third Pot Kettle Black site at The Padel Club. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team.
“After ten years in the city we’ve been enjoying seeing some familiar faces stopping by for a coffee and we can’t wait to get started on our programme of summer events!”
Danny Jones -
4th September 2023 
