Ten Hag delivers blunt response to question about Man Utd star who could be set for ‘surprise exit’

Lewis Oldham
Ten Hag on Man Utd

Erik ten Hag delivered a blunt response when he was asked about Jadon Sancho after Man Utd’s 2-0 win over Burnley in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford scored as United beat Vincent Kompany’s side to reach the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

Eriksen netted from close range after being set up by Aaron Wan-Bissaka before Rashford scored a stunning solo goal.

United looked a bit rusty and Martin Dubravka was almost caught out on several occasions but their quality made the difference against their Championship opponents.

Ten Hag praised his players after the final whistle as they are “hungry after the World Cup break”.

“It was difficult to get the press but we did and we need to take more benefit from that. There is still room for improvement but I am pleased with the win,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports.

“The players are hungry after the World Cup break and it was great to see a team goal (for the first).”

On Rashford’s performance: “He was great. I think he was a constant threat and playing on the backline and was dangerous with his dribbling and movement. He runs so much. Eventually, you get the benefit.”

When asked when his other World Cup players will return, he answered: “In Argentina, the celebrations are still going on so we will see. The Premier League is ready for the restart and we will be ready for that.”

Ten Hag was then asked about Sancho. The Englishman was not involved against Burnley as he is currently training on his own away from the rest of United’s squad.

Earlier this month, the Dutchman admitted that Sancho is dealing with a drop off in “fitness and mood”.

This has fuelled talk that he could leave in January. Graeme Bailey has indicated that a “surprise exit” could see Sancho return to the Bundesliga on loan.

Ten Hag simply answered “no” when asked if he had an update on Sancho’s situation at United.

He also gave a blunt response when he was questioned about the United’s ownership following the Glazer family’s decision to put them up for sale.

“No. Don’t ask me the question. I’m about the team.”

Rashford also spoke after the final whistle. He was quick to return to action for Man Utd as he was in Qatar playing for England earlier this month.

The attacker insisted that he is not struggling physically after the World Cup but it is tough for him “emotion-wise”.

“To be honest it’s more just emotion-wise because obviously it’s such a disappointing feeling to get knocked out, and you have to just try and pick yourself up because there’s no time to feel sorry for yourself when you come back here.

“So it’s just about getting results and thankfully we’ve done that today so we’ve just got to recover and try to do the same the next game.”

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