“I’ve been a scapegoat for a long time” Sancho hits back at ten Hag

• Jadon Sancho has released a statement responding to Erik ten Hag after the Dutch manager explained why he was dropped
• Jadon Sancho said he has been repeatedly made a ‘scapegoat’, something he is not happy about

Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho has released a statement responding to Erik ten Hag after the Dutch manager explained why he was dropped.

Sancho did not travel to London for Sunday’s Premier League clash between Manchester United and Arsenal. Speaking after the match, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said the 23-year-old forward was not selected for the match because of poor performance on training.

Jadon Sancho is unhappy with Erik ten Hag’s comments on why he was dropped. Photo/ Eurosport.

“Jadon was [absent] on his performance on the training. We didn’t select him. You have to reach a level every day at Manchester United and we can make choices on the frontline, so for this game he wasn’t selected.” Erik ten Hag said after the match against Arsenal, as per Manchester Evening News.

Responding to Erik ten Hag, Jadon Sancho released a statement saying he has been repeatedly made a ‘scapegoat’, something he is not happy about.

“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’ve been a scapegoat for a long time which isn’t fair!” Sancho wrote on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

The 23-year-old also said that he wants to play football happy and help his team. He is ready to continue fighting for the Red Devils until the end.

“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!”

Jadon Sancho has struggled for consistent form since joining Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2021. The talented forward has scored just 12 goals in 82 appearances he has made for the Red Devils since his arrival.

Sancho has featured in three matches for Manchester United this season, all from the bench. On Sunday, he didn’t make the bench as the Red Devils lost to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Jadon Sancho was a surprising omission for Manchester United’s clash against Arsenal. Photo/ beIN Sports.

Manchester United opened the scoring against the hosts in a tepid first half that exploded into life after Marcus Rashford’s goal. However, the lead lasted barely two minutes as Martin Odegaard drove in the equalizer in the 28th minute.

The match appeared to be destined for draw when two stoppage time goals from Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus secured victory for Arsenal. The Gunners have now closed within two points of league leaders Manchester City. Meanwhile, Manchester United are eleventh on the standings with six points.