Erik ten Hag: Man Utd boss says Jadon Sancho’s comeback is ‘in his own hands’ after scoring equaliser vs Leeds | Football News

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says it’s “excellent” that Jadon Sancho is “on the way back” after scoring in the Premier League, but insists his future is “in his own hands”.

Sancho came off the bench to score his first Premier League goal since September and salvage a 2-2 draw against Leeds on Wednesday night.

The 22-year-old just returned to the Ten Hag team after recovering from physical and mental problems that saw him complete an individual fitness program in the Netherlands instead of traveling to the squad’s winter camp in Spain.

Sancho followed up his first appearance since October in last week’s Carabao Cup win over Nottingham Forest with a crucial 70th-minute equalizer against Leeds in the Premier League.

Talk to Sky SportsTen Hag said about Sancho’s goal: “I am very happy. He is coming back. We know he is a very good footballer.

“He can definitely be a big influence on our team. Tonight he had it, but we know he can be a consistent influence. He needs to work hard, we all do, and at this moment he is in a good mood.

“I think it will strengthen him, motivate him to give more, then you will get more. It is a very good footballer, and the second goal I am very happy, and especially for him.”

Asked in the post-match press conference what the England international should do to ensure he doesn’t go down, Ten Hag replied: “I think it’s in his own hands. So if he wants to, he can do it. [it] and this team is good to play and will give you joy.

“I’m very happy to see him play the way he does, with confidence, so much confidence, straight away. It’s great to see him play in this attack.”

Sancho, who joined United in July 2021 for £73m from Borussia Dortmund, has now scored three goals in 11 Premier League appearances this season, equaling his tally from the 2021-22 campaign (3 in 29 games).

“They are in the right direction and I hope they can maintain this momentum,” added Ten Hag. “I believe it will strengthen them and motivate them to do more.

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“As you can see, he is a good footballer and if he invests and he is at the right level, then he can do well.

“I think now we have a team that can dictate the game more in the opposition half – he likes it. He can play in tight areas and can make a difference. The second goal showed but also when he came on last week, we saw that too.”

Asked about Sancho’s time away from the first team, Ten Hag replied: “It was a difficult time but he fought himself. [it]. He needs credit for that and I’m happy, I’m proud that he did it.

“I will support him, the coach supports him, the team supports him and supports him in this process. But in the end he has to do it himself.

“You can see when he is at a good level, he is an exceptional footballer, he is very good. He can make a difference and I hope he can stay in this mood and contribute to this team and score many goals and creating chances and assists. .