Erik ten Hag gives Jadon Sancho update & lauds ‘magnificent’ Man Utd star

Jadon Sancho will not be involved for Manchester United when they take on Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend, Erik ten Hag has confirmed.

The winger hasn’t played for the Red Devils since 22 October and Ten Hag said earlier this month that he ‘wasn’t mentally ready to return’ to the team, with Sancho undergoing a personal fitness programme in the Netherlands during the break.

But Ten Hag has revealed Sancho is now back in Manchester and will soon return to training. “Yes, of course, it is coming, that time,” said the former Ajax manager, when asked about Sancho’s return. “But that time is not now.

“He is making progress and we will see when he is ready to return to the squad. He is back in Manchester and he will start individual training.”

While Sancho won’t be involved against Wolves, one man who may make a return is Lisandro Martinez. The Argentine has not played in either of United’s matches since the culmination of the World Cup, with the defender given extra time off following his successes in Qatar.

“I think it is definitely a boost,” Ten Hag said of Martinez. “I think he is already a player who has confidence and belief but I think also this experience will strengthen him even more.

“He needs to bring that to the squad. Argentina played to win, in contradiction to many other nations who played not lose. That mentality, he has shown it several times for Manchester United, to be proactive. That’s why I like it. It will help us.”

Ten Hag was also asked for his view on another South American ahead of the Wolves clash. Casemiro put in a superb showing on Tuesday as United beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the Premier League, and was voted man of the match after the game.

Like Martinez, Casemiro joined the Red Devils in the summer, and Ten Hag was quizzed on whether he was surprised Real Madrid allowed a player of that calibre to depart.

“I’m happy they did,” he responded. “You see also in the World Cup, he’s a magnificent player. My analysis before the season was we needed that no.6 position. He’s fulfilling this position.

“You need the right player; definitely, we have the right player. I’m really happy for Manchester United to have him because he is raising the limits for Manchester United.”