‘Next step’: Erik ten Hag gives update on Jadon Sancho ahead of Arsenal vs Man Utd

Erik ten Hag has said he is unsure when Jadon Sancho will return to the Manchester United team, but didn’t rule him out of Sunday’s trip to the Emirates.

The Red Devils travel to top-of-the-table Arsenal on the back of an impressive run of games, which has seen them lose just one of the last 19 in all competitions. Sancho hasn’t featured in the majority of those matches, and Sunday will mark exactly three months to the day since he last played for United.

The winger has been following an individual training programme over the past few months and has been working away from the main group. However, Sancho returned to team training during the week and Ten Hag will hope he can utilise the player soon.

Speaking ahead of the clash with Arsenal, Ten Hag was asked if a date has been set for Sancho’s return to the first-team squad. “I can’t answer that question,” he responded.

“He is making the next step. It is true, yesterday [Tuesday] was his first day at team training but team training is the final day before the game. So we will extend that in the coming days, the coming week and go step by step.”

Ten Hag conducted his pre-match press conference in London after the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace in midweek, and wasn’t sure at the time whether injury doubts Diogo Dalot and Anthony Martial could be available in time for Sunday.

“Sorry. Of course, it is Wednesday. We have to see how far they are and whether they will be fit for Sunday,” said the United boss.

Ten Hag will be without Casemiro for the clash with the Gunners, but the Dutchman said United are more than equipped to win at the weekend without the influential midfielder. “We beat Arsenal last time without Casemiro. We have an idea of how to deal with that.”