04 September 2023 , 08:29
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Rio Ferdinand believes that Jadon Sancho may have to consider a transfer to the Saudi Pro League after digging out Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag online.
Sancho, 23, did not travel down to the capital for the 3-1 loss at Arsenal, with Ten Hag claiming that the England star failed to make the squad for Sunday's match due to poor performances in training.
The £73million signing from Borussia Dortmund swiftly snapped back on social media, where he made it clear that he felt the Dutchman's comments were unwarranted. He said in a statement: "Please don't believe everything you read! I will not allow people saying things that is 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 have 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 my team.
"I respect all decisions that are made by the coaching staff, I play with fantastic players and grateful to do so which I know every week is a challenge. I will continue to fight for this badge no matter what!"
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Sancho's frank statement sent shockwaves through social media - and Ferdinand believes that the winger may have to consider a transfer to Saudi Arabia if he isn't happy with his current spot in the Old Trafford pecking order.
Join the debate! Do you think there's any way back for Sancho at Man Utd? Let us know here.
Sancho hit out at Erik ten Hag on social media after Sunday's defeat to Arsenal (Getty Images)The former Manchester United defender told his FIVE YouTube channel : "There's no way Jadon is putting out a statement like that if he hasn't in his own eyes performed well.
"That's the difference as well. On his chart, Jadon [might think] - 'I've trained alright', but the manager might have a different standard. There's two ways this ends. There's only one window open now and that's Saudi. Or you're on the bench or not getting in the squad for the rest of the season."
Whilst the transfer window for Premier League clubs is now shut, the Saudi Pro League are still able to make signings until September 7.
It remains to be seen if there would be any suitors in the Middle East for Sancho, who has struggled to live up to expectations since joining Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund back in the summer of 2021.
Sancho was given an individual training programme last December after missing out on a spot in England's World Cup team in a bid to recapture some form and did not return to the first-team fold until February. The winger has contributed just nine league goals and six assists in 58 appearances and has fallen down the pecking order at United.