Erik ten Hag has refused to discuss Jadon Sancho‘s future at Manchester United, insisting he will never talk about players ‘who are not available’.
The United boss cut an unimpressed figure in his post-match TV interview when asked about the banished England winger after a 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace, before he was asked again in his press conference.
It was put to Ten Hag that a report in Germany claimed excessive gaming sessions on his Xbox, resulting in limited sleep, is damaging Sancho’s career.
Asked if he was aware of Sancho’s gaming habits, Ten Hag was quick to shut any questions about Sancho down.
‘I don’t talk about personal issues and I don’t talk about players who are not available,’ he said swiftly, before concluding his press conference.
Erik ten Hag refused to be drawn into making a comment about Jadon Sancho’s future
Sancho is currently training with United’s academy team and has been banned from first-team facilities
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Ten Hag was asked post-match about Sancho deactivating his Instagram account, and whether that was the first step towards repairing their relationship.
‘I don’t know, it’s up to him,’ he said. ‘I don’t comment on players who are not available.’
Sancho is currently being kept away from the first team as he continues his stand-off with Ten Hag amid his refusal to apologise for his public comments against his manager.
The £73million winger was exiled from United training after claiming on social media that he had been a ‘scapegoat’ and effectively calling Ten Hag a liar following defeat at Arsenal.
Sancho, who joined from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, has made just three sub appearances for United this season, but has not featured in the squad since his outburst.
With no resolution in sight, Ten Hag is becoming more and more frustrated at being quizzed on the player that is not in his thoughts.
The 23-year-old has managed just 12 goals and six assists from 82 games at United, putting his future at the club in real doubt heading towards the January transfer window.
Sancho is yet to apologise to Ten Hag after going against the United boss in a social media post
Former Manchester United captain Steve Bruce on Tuesday urged Sancho to put any pride aside to salvage his career at Old Trafford by apologising.
‘The only way this will be resolved is if he goes in and apologises to the manager and team-mates,’ Bruce said on Sky Sports.
‘He cant go on social media and start criticising the coach, he is the boss and makes the decisions, there has to be a bit of respect there.
‘I urge him to get in there, knock on the door and see if they can work things out.’