Erik ten Hag reaction to Jadon Sancho celebrations after equalizer goal captured
On Wednesday night, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was seen beaming with pride after Jadon Sancho scored a crucial equalizer against Leeds.
The young England international has not started for the Red Devils since last October.
Ten Hag felt that Sancho was not in the proper mental or physical state to contribute prior to the holiday season, which explains his lengthy absence.
During the World Cup and the weeks that followed, Sancho was placed on an individual training program instead of joining the rest of his teammates in Spain for midseason warm-weather training.
All of this contributed to Sancho’s emotional road to recovery, which culminated in him scoring the game-tying goal against Leeds to spare United’s blushes and contribute when his team needed him.
As soon as the ball entered the back of the net, Sancho dashed off to celebrate with his teammates in front of the home crowd, whereas Ten Hag’s reaction was much more subdued.
The Dutchman simply smiled with pride, obviously pleased with how far Sancho has come to return to his former self and appear more like the £73 million man United purchased in the summer of 2021.
Ten Hag has long been a supporter of Sancho, and he discussed the winger during his post-match media duties, insisting that everyone at the club is behind him as he attempts to revive his United career.
“He’s all the way back,” the United boss claimed. “I’m proud he did it. I’m backing him, the coaches are backing him, the team is backing but he has to do it by himself.
“It’s in his own hands. If he wants, he can do it. I’m really enjoying seeing him playing the way he did with so much confidence and belief. We know he’s a magnificent player. I think consistently he can have a big impact, but he has to work hard.”
Sancho himself was quick to issue an update to fans, taking to Twitter to write: “I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed this feeling! Team showed great character to stay in the game, we go again on the weekend.”
The winger’s goal gives United a one-point advantage over fourth-placed Newcastle, but they will likely view it as two points lost in their pursuit of second-placed local rivals Manchester City.
Erik ten Hag reaction to Jadon Sancho celebrations after equalizer goal captured
