Erik ten Hag Backs Jadon Sancho to Lead the Line for Manchester United
Manchester United’s friendly match against Liverpool may have ended in a 3-0 defeat, but Jadon Sancho’s performance has given manager Erik ten Hag food for thought. Despite struggling to make an impact, Ten Hag believes Sancho has what it takes to play as a No 9 and lead the line for the Red Devils.
The Dutch manager’s comments come as United prepare for the new season, with Rasmus Hojlund out injured and summer signing Joshua Zirkzee still working his way to match fitness. Ten Hag was asked if Sancho could start the season as a makeshift No 9, and he replied, “That is what we can do if we don’t have the availability of Rasmus. Of course, Joshua Zirkzee is coming in.”
Sancho started up front for United in Saturday’s friendly against Liverpool, and although the team created many chances, they lacked a natural striker to finish them off. Ten Hag’s comments suggest that Sancho could be the solution to their striker woes.
“He has started training. But he is not so long in training, so it will take time, and he has to adjust to English football and our way of playing,” Ten Hag said. “Jadon can, of course, play as a striker. He can also play in wide areas, but it could be that he is a good option.”
Young striker Ethan Wheatley is another option for Ten Hag, and he has been working closely with new coach Ruud van Nistelrooy. However, with the Community Shield against Manchester City just five days away, United’s forward line still looks undercooked.
Despite this, Ten Hag’s backing of Sancho is a vote of confidence in the player’s ability to adapt to a new role. Sancho has the skills and pace to cause problems for defenders, and if he can develop his finishing skills, he could become a valuable asset for United.
With the season just around the corner, Ten Hag will be hoping that Sancho can step up and lead the line for United. The Dutch manager’s faith in Sancho is a positive sign, and it will be interesting to see how the player responds to the challenge.
Jadon Sancho started up front for Man United in Saturday’s friendly against Liverpool
Sancho can lead the line and start the season as a No 9, according to boss Erik ten Hag