Erik ten Hag is expected to hold clear-the-air talks with Jadon Sancho after his omission from the Manchester United squad at Arsenal on Sunday.
The United manager insisted the England winger had been left out because he failed to make a strong enough impression in training recently but Sancho has challenged that version of events.
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The England forward, 23, hit back at Ten Hag’s claims on social media, writing: ‘Please don’t believe everything you read!’ he said. ‘I will not allow people to say things that are completely untrue. I have conducted myself in training very well this week.
‘I believe there are other reasons for this matter that I won’t go into, I’ve been a scapegoat for a long time which isn’t fair!
‘All I want to do is play football with a smile on my face and contribute to the team. I respect all decisions that are made by the coaching staff, I play with fantastic players and I am grateful to do so, which I know every week is a challenge. I will continue to fight for this badge no matter what!’
Erik ten Hag (left) is set to hold clear-the-air talks with Jadon Sancho (right) after his omission from Manchester United’s 3-1 defeat against Arsenal on Sunday
Ten Hag claimed the winger was dropped for his ‘training performance’, which Sancho denies
The 23-year-old took to social media to explain why he thinks he is being used as a ‘scapecoat’
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Some close to the 23-year-old believe he hasn’t been getting a fair run at cementing a first team place, pointing out that Antony is sometimes given preferential treatment despite struggling for consistency himself.
United insiders dismiss this theory though with a belief the Dutch boss feels Sancho can still give more.
Sancho had appeared off the bench in each of United’s first three matches this season but was left out completely at the Emirates.
Defender Lisandro Martinez, meanwhile, is not feared to have picked up a significant injury despite coming off against Arsenal on Sunday.
The combative Argentine did not need crutches or a protective boot as he left the stadium and is to undergo more tests once he joins up with the Argentina squad just to be sure he is okay to continue.
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