Jadon Sancho made his long-awaited comeback to action on Wednesday night, and Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has given him the support he needs to once again establish himself as a key member of the team.
Sancho made his Old Trafford debut to a standing ovation and helped Manchester United defeat Nottingham Forest 2-0 to advance to the Carabao Cup final that will be okayed later this month.
Prior to that, the 22-year-old had not played since October due to a combination of factors, including sickness at first and later worries about his physical and mental health.
Sancho, though, shown that he has the potential to have an influence even in brief bursts against Forest by playing a crucial part in the play that led to Fred’s second goal.
“He already showed that [he can be a decisive player],” Ten Hag said afterwards.
“This season for instance, the game against Liverpool was a great goal. He scored against Leicester. He had some really good games, Spurs as well, so he already showed his great capabilities.”
“He has really high standards,” Ten Hag continued. “He has great capabilities to contribute to our team and the team is improving, we are playing more in the opponent’s half and his capabilities are coming more to the fore. He can act on them more and have more touches on the ball and that gives him the best platform to perform.
“It is always important that players enjoy football because that gives energy and also the motivation to act and to perform.
“The reception from the fans to him was great and that will give him even more a push to continue in the way he is now acting. He has just started again, he is back in Carrington, and hopefully he can keep that and really contribute to the team because when he is in form, he is important to us.”
