Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho hits back at Erik ten Hag criticism with extraordinary social media post

Ten Hag left Sancho out of the Man United squad for the Premier League defeat to Arsenal.

Jadon Sancho has responded to criticism of Erik ten Hag, saying he has become Manchester United’s scapegoat. Following United’s 3-1 Premier League defeat at Arsenal on Sunday, Reds manager Ten Hag said the England international missed the game due to his performance in training.

“Jadon was [absent] on his performance on the training,” Ten Hag said. “We didn’t select him. You have to reach a level every day at Manchester United and we can make choices on the frontline, so for this game he wasn’t selected.”

Sancho, 23, was out for three months last season and travelled to the Netherlands to work with coaches recommended by Ten Hag. His absence from the squad at Arsenal was addressed by Ten Hag after the loss but the player himself has responded to his manager’s criticism, saying he had trained well and suggesting there were other factors behind his non-selection.

Sancho tweeted: “Please don’t believe everything you read. I will not allow people saying things that is completely untrue, I have conducted myself in training very well this week. I believe there are other reasons for this matter which I won’t go into, I’ve been a scapegoat for a long time which isn’t fair!

“All I want to do is play football with a smile on my face and contribute to the 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!”

Sancho featured in the opening three matches of United’s Premier League season, coming off the bench on each occasion. He has made 82 appearances for the Reds since signing from Borussia Dortmund in 2021.