Man United could welcome Jadon Sancho back into their matchday squad in the FA Cup clash with Reading
Jadon Sancho could make his return to the Manchester United squad against Reading and that will be a more than welcome sight to supporters in attendance at Old Trafford and those watching from afar.
Sancho, 22, has not played for United since their Premier League draw with Chelsea in October and his lengthy absence has been a delicate matter for Erik ten Hag and his players. Fortunately, though, England forward is back – fit and firing – ready for FA Cup action.
It would be unfair to put too much expectation on him too soon, of course, but there is genuine hope that he can finally start to replicate the numbers he recorded during his Borussia Dortmund days; just the 50 goals and 64 assists from 137 matches for anyone wondering.
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From that alone, it is clear he has the talent to shine at Old Trafford, while he will not have to look too far for inspiration for an upturn in his output. Marcus Rashford has been in sensational form this season and Ten Hag has seemingly followed the advice laid down by the revived England forward.
Similarly to Rashford, albeit in the season, Sancho took time away for himself to make sure he was back in the best condition to help United for the run-in. It involved a hiatus from social media, too, as he prepares to come back into a much-improved environment to nurture his talent.
Addressing his own refresh, Rashford said: “It was time away from everything. I think physically I needed a rest and I’ve probably needed a rest for a while but mentally to have two weeks or whatever it was to just switch off, it’s something that I probably don’t do enough.
“I didn’t know I needed it. But, when I had it, when I’ve come back I just felt in a different headspace.”
Rashford later told Sky Sports: “It’s a completely different energy around the club and on the training ground.” Rashford has scored 21 goals in 34 matches for club and country this season. That puts me in a better frame of mind, and I’m feeling a lot more motivated now.
“That’s where I was having trouble. I understand it’s your job to talk about what happens on the field, but the players must also get into the right mindset every game. Last season, I wasn’t always in the right frame of mind for games.”
It would take some effort for Sancho to match Rash ford’s numbers right away. However, if Ten Hag can regain his swashbuckling Dortmund form, he must take credit for his strategy and approach to the situation.
Sancho is a hidden treasure just waiting to be discovered. The timing is ideal.
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