Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag discussed Jadon Sancho’s performance on his comeback, after the Red Devils confirmed their place in the Carabao Cup final.
United defeated Nottingham Forest 2-0 in the second leg of the semifinals at Old Trafford to win 5-0 on the aggregate scoreline, and they will take on Newcastle in the final game on February 26.
The first leg was won by a score of 3-0 last week at the City Ground, and two early goals from Anthony Martial and Fred sealed their trip to Wembley.
They are one win away from ending a six-year trophy drought that dates back to their 2017 Europa League victory under Jose Mourinho. It is their first domestic final since they lost the FA Cup in 2018. Jadon Sancho’s comeback was another plus for United, as he made his first United appearance since October following an extended leave.
Sancho was not in his best mental or fitness state, as he chose to do a personal training regimen in the Netherlands rather than go to the team’s winter training camp in Spain.
The Old Trafford crowd erupted in jubilant applause when the English star returned to the field against Forest, and Ten Hag admitted that he is eager to get the 22-year-old back to his best.
As reported by The Guardian, the Dutch boss said:
“Most important players (have to) enjoy football, which gives energy, that gives them the motivation to act and to perform.”
“I think it was great, the reception from the fans to him, and also that will give him even more a push to continue in the way he’s now acting, he’s just started again, the restart he’s back at Carrington for two weeks, we see that smile and hopefully he can keep that and contribute to the team.”
“He already showed his quality this season for instance, the game against Liverpool, a great goal, scored against Leicester, he had some really good games, Spurs, he already showed his great capabilities.”
Sancho’s return will boost the club’s chances of securing their place in the top four of the league table.
Ten Hag’s men are already active in every major competition, and the more players the manager has at his disposal, the better it is for the team.
