07 September 2023 , 21:12
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Erik ten Hag revealed that Jadon Sancho was struggling mentally last season without obtaining permission to share the information, it has been claimed.
Sancho, 23, was absent from the Manchester United first-team fold for three months last season, with Ten Hag detailing that the forward would be unavailable due to 'physical and mental' reasons.
The England star spent weeks training in the Netherlands with coaches recommended by Ten Hag following the Dutchman's revelation, which was made in a press conference back in December. However, it has now emerged that Ten Hag may have revealed information about Sancho's mental state without getting the go-ahead.
According to The Mail, Ten Hag did not seek permission to share any information about Sancho's mental state before his comments last year. However, the report goes on to detail that Ten Hag believed he was being 'supportive' of Sancho with his comments, while sources close to the club claim that it would have been 'difficult' to relate the winger's absence solely to injuries when that wasn't the case.
There were also fears that failing to address Sancho's absence would lead to speculation over the former Borussia Dortmund star, who came off social media earlier in 2022.
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Manchester United declined to comment when contacted by Mirror Football on Thursday evening.
The relationship between Sancho and Ten Hag has been thrust into the spotlight this week after the Manchester United manager explained that the player had been omitted from the matchday squad against Arsenal on Sunday due to poor training performances.
Sancho was given permission to train away from the Manchester United team in DecemberSancho instantly hit back on social media, claiming that Ten Hag's comments were "untrue". 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!"