Ten Hag Praises Sancho's Dortmund Heroics, Future at United Uncertain

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has heaped praise on Jadon Sancho following the winger's stellar performance in Borussia Dortmund's 1-0 Champions League semi-final victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday. Sancho, who has been on loan at Dortmund since January after falling out of favor with Ten Hag at Old Trafford, put in a man-of-the-match display, completing 11 successful dribbles - the most by any player in the Champions League this season.

Ten Hag expressed his delight at Sancho's performance, stating, "So let's say this - yesterday he played very well and he's a very good player. Yesterday he showed why Manchester United bought him and he showed he represents a high value for Manchester United, which is good." However, the Dutch manager stopped short of guaranteeing Sancho's future at the club, adding, "I'm happy for Jadon, for the performance yesterday and we'll see what is going to happen in the future."

Sancho himself remains uncertain about his future at Old Trafford. When asked about his plans, the 23-year-old said, "I really don't know if I will stay. But I'm focused on just the present right now." Manchester United are reportedly looking to recoup up to £40 million of the £73 million they paid Dortmund for Sancho back in 2021.

Since returning to Dortmund, Sancho has featured in 16 of the German club's 19 games, scoring three goals and providing two assists. His impressive display against PSG was praised by pundits and former players alike, with Owen Hargreaves noting, "I knew from the first touch he was going to have a game like that, because he had a bit of swagger, didn't he?"

In a separate development, Ten Hag has dismissed reports suggesting that the majority of his Manchester United squad is up for sale this summer. The Dutch manager called the rumors "a joke," emphasizing that every summer, there is interest in numerous players from the club, but it is untrue that the entire squad is available for transfer.

As Manchester United prepare to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday, they have received positive news from their latest training session. Bruno Fernandes has been nominated for April's Player of the Month award after a stellar personal period on the pitch. However, there is fresh doubt over the availability of Marcus Rashford for the upcoming encounter.

With the season entering its final stages, Manchester United find themselves in a battle to secure a top-four finish and Champions League qualification. Sancho's future at the club remains uncertain, and Ten Hag looks to reshape his squad in the coming months. Ten Hag's comments on Sancho serve to highlight the young winger's immense talent and potential impact on the team's fortunes, which is crucial for the Red Devils to re-establish themselves as a force in English and European football.

Key Takeaways

• Erik ten Hag praises Jadon Sancho's performance in Dortmund's Champions League win.
• Sancho completes 11 successful dribbles, the most in the Champions League this season.
• Ten Hag doesn't guarantee Sancho's future at Manchester United.
• Sancho remains uncertain about his future at Old Trafford.
• Manchester United reportedly want to recoup £40m of the £73m they paid for Sancho.