Entering his third season back in England, expectations for Sancho had already dropped significantly.
United had signed him to play on the right wing, despite his preference being to play on the left – a position that was locked down by Marcus Rashford at that point – and his underwhelming performances meant he was no longer a guaranteed starter.
But when the London-born forward was left out of the squad for a loss at Arsenal in September 2023, Ten Hag was asked about his absence after the game.
“Because of his performance in training, we didn’t select him,” the Dutchman said bluntly. “You have to reach a level every day at Manchester United.”
Sancho did not accept the reasoning and in a now-deleted social media post, hit back almost immediately.
“I will not allow people saying things that is completely untrue,” he posted. “I have conducted myself very well in training this week.
“I believe there are other reasons for this matter that I won’t go into. I’ve been a scapegoat for a long time, which isn’t fair.”
A stand-off ensued with Ten Hag – who had previously questioned Sancho’s “fitness state” – demanding an apology and, despite numerous pleas from team-mates and United officials, Sancho refusing to provide one.
