Jadon Sancho and Erik ten Hag resolved their differences during a meeting at Manchester United’s training ground and the forward has resumed training with the first team after a 10-month absence.
Sancho has reflected on the public outburst that led to his exile and is focusing on full participation in pre-season. Whether he apologised to Ten Hag is unclear, this having previously been a stipulation for him to train with the squad and be considered for selection. Sancho was excluded after falling out with Ten Hag in early September.
Immediately after United’s 3-1 defeat at Arsenal the manager claimed Sancho was absent because he had not trained to the standard required before the game. Sancho responded with a tweet that disputed this and which in essence called Ten Hag a liar.
Sancho refused to apologise and was loaned in January to Borussia Dortmund, where he returned to form, playing a pivotal part in the German club’s run to the Champions League final. In May Ten Hag disclosed that a contingent from the club had met with Sancho in Germany. “We had a visit with him, we talked with him, and we will keep going with this process,” he said.
Sancho returned to training on Thursday and will not fly to Norway for Monday’s friendly against Rosenborg, having started pre-season later than the rest of the group because of his participation in the Champions League final. He is available for next Saturday’s match against Rangers at Murrayfield and the three-game tour of the US.
With United needing to sell players to finance recruitment, the club may listen to offers for Sancho, as it would for numerous squad members.
Definitely staying is Jonny Evans, who has agreed a new one-year contract. “I am delighted to have extended my contract at Manchester United for another season,” said the 36-year-old. “To play for this great club and feel the support from our incredible fans is always a privilege. Returning to the club last season was an honour – representing the team on the pitch alongside fantastic teammates under an excellent manager. Winning the FA Cup together was an unforgettable experience. I know we can challenge for more trophies in the season ahead.”
A United academy graduate, Evans played 198 times before leaving in 2015, before returning last summer. Last season he made 30 appearances, including as a substitute in the 2-1 FA Cup final win over Manchester City.
