Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag says Jadon Sancho progressing but not ready to return | Football News

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says Jadon Sancho is back in Manchester and “making progress” but is not yet ready to join the first group.

Sancho, who reportedly decided to take a break from social media ahead of the World Cup, missed United’s warm-weather camp in Spain to undergo personal training in the Netherlands with coach Ten Hag.

Ten Hag explained when Sancho did not return to restart United’s season that the 22-year-old had been struggling “physically and mentally” and could not say for how long he would be out.

Sancho, who last played in the 1-1 draw at Chelsea on October 22, has now returned from the Netherlands but the Ten Hag are continuing to be patient with reintegrating the £73m signing back into the squad.

“The time is not now [for him to return to the squad] but he is making progress,” said Ten Hag, ahead of United’s trip to Wolves on Saturday. “We will see if he is ready to return to the squad.

“He is back in Manchester, he will start individual training.”

Sky Sports News understand United are continuing to work with Sancho so he can return as soon as possible and have the full support of the club.

Ten Hag: We have to be creative in the transfer window

The Ten Hag has opened up about his desire to bring the striker to Old Trafford in January after losing Cristiano Ronaldo but admitted United “will have to be creative” to get a deal done.

Sky Sports News it has been said that United are focusing on a loan move after going over their budget in the summer transfer window and there is a possibility that he will not be arriving next month.

Ten Hag said that whoever comes must meet “sporting criteria and of course financial criteria”.

“It’s difficult, strikers are expensive especially in the winter,” said Ten Hag. “You have to set the bar high, maybe we have to be creative.

“We are doing everything we can, to get the right players to fit the balance of the front line.

“It’s about time, availability, so many circumstances play a role. The window hasn’t even started yet so it’s a long time.”

Ten Hag has suggested United need more depth if they are to continue fighting across the board, with the Dutchman currently juggling the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

He added: “I think we have the squad and the players that fit the criteria, but with all the games coming up, it’s a tough competition in all leagues, but we want to be involved in all of them and by winning games in the cup as well.

“So you need players, you need numbers to cover. We need good players not just numbers, you need quality players to cover.

“You also need competition and also make tactical choices. We are looking for the right players for our team and they have to match the sporting criteria and of course the financial criteria.”