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.
After fans all over the world were invited to create their own jersey designs using artificial intelligence back in December, with literally thousands of entries being submitted, the club now has its shortlist and it’s the fans who have the power to pick the winner.
Inviting Cityzens to have the final say this week, the intake has now been whittled down to just 10 different options – but which one tickles your fancy, Blues?…
There are no traditional red/yellow and black striped numbers to pick from this time around – both this year’s away kit and the 23/24 strips have had that covered of late – but there are some pretty classic combos that have been put together.
Alternatively, there are plenty more adventurous creations that have made the cut thus far.
Put together using Puma’s creator software, this initiative has launched alongside the club’s first fully-fledged generative AI goalkeeper kit which will debut this weekend.
Designed by goalkeeping duo Ederson and Stefan Ortega, as well as rising youngster Rico Lewis, the limited edition creation will be available exclusively in-store from the official City Stores at Etihad and Manchester Arndale.
Our limited edition PUMA AI Creator goalkeeper shirt, available as a CityStore (Stadium & Arndale) exclusive tomorrow, 25th January.
What do you make of it and, more importantly, which of the third kits do you like the look of best?
Fans have until 23:59 GMT on Wednesday, 29 January to pick their favourite but you best be happy with your decision because it will be the matchday third kit for a full year.
The winner will be chosen this summer ahead of not the upcoming campaign but the following season.
You can cast your ballot and choose your future City third kit HERE.
Nearly 40 fans arrested after city centre clashes and Old Trafford chaos during Man United vs Rangers
Danny Jones
Dozens of fans were arrested following numerous clashes at Old Trafford and in central Manchester before, during and after Man United’s game against Rangers this week.
The Red Devils took on the Scottish side in a crucial Europa League fixture on Thursday night, with nearly 4,000 Glaswegians making the trip down to Manchester.
After reports of violence and disorder in the city centre a couple of hours before kick-off, there were also said to be issues regarding Rangers supporters trying to enter the ground with fake tickets as well as instances of ‘tragedy chanting’ regarding club disasters.
Worse still, further chaos was sparked after away fans infiltrated the home end, with security and actions from stewards being criticised around the stadium.
I can’t quite believe how many Rangers fans were in the home end at Old Trafford last night…
Saw Rangers fans drinking from glass bottles in the stand, smoking, later throwing bottles, fighting, one doing airplane arms. Had to help a dad shield his little girl to get her out safely. Kids terrified round us. So badly managed tonight. pic.twitter.com/7Sz59Jp8Iv
Sharing an update on Friday morning, Greater Manchester Police detailed that a 450-strong officer presence saw a total of 39 arrests made in connection with the fixture.
26 were detained for violent disorder after fighting broke out around Ancoats at approximately 6pm as the Rangers fans were being prepared for their escort towards Old Trafford.
Other arrests included drug offences, drunk and disorderly behaviour, tragedy chanting, as well as assaulting a steward inside the ground.
There were also continued problems regarding general safety, organisation and queuing around the turnstiles, which has been a recurring issue at the footballing arena of late, with many fans struggling to make it into the ground in time for kick-off.
Although the away fan presence was clearly an exacerbating factor, many United fans have once again called out the club for failing to address the issue which saw added congestion not only around the concourse but even in the stands in this instance.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes, match commander for the game, said: “These high-profile fixtures are always exciting occasions, but they also naturally present challenges to ensure that the thousands of spectators can enjoy the game safely and to minimise disruption for the wider public.
“Last night, we did see some incidents before the game which required a prompt response from our officers to prevent any further disorder and harm. Arrests were made and further disorder was prevented.
“An operation like this takes weeks, if not months, of planning with both clubs and all our local partners. Generally, the crowds have been really well-behaved and the vast majority have had a safe and enjoyable time watching the game in Manchester.”
United went on to narrowly win the game in the 11th hour thanks to a stoppage-time goal from captain Bruno Fernandes to spare their blushes but with lots of tough results and unpopular decisions happening around the club, they’ll need more than a last-gasp 2-1 win over Rangers to improve the atmosphere.
Danny Jones -
4th September 2023 
