London (dpa)
Jadon Sancho might make his first appearance following a 14-week absence when Manchester United host Reading in the FA Cup.
And the British news agency “BA Media” reported that Eric ten Hag, the coach of the team, said last month that the midfielder was “not in the right position or in good physical condition”, as he underwent individual physical training in the Netherlands instead of traveling with The team at their winter camp in Spain.
Ten Hag said patience was essential with Sancho, who resumed group training last Tuesday, following returning to Carrington earlier this month, and might play once morest Reading.
Sancho, 22, last played in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea last October.
“He is training with the team and we will see,” said the Manchester United coach. He added, “He is developing, taking steps, and we will take the decision following the end of the session.” In response to a question regarding the possibility of Sancho participating in tomorrow’s match once morest Reading, in the fourth round of the Federation Cup, Ten Hag replied: “I said that he is on his way back, he is taking steps.”
He added, “He has returned to training, and now we must see when he will be ready to participate in matches.” And whenever Sancho returns to the team, he will strengthen the capabilities of Manchester United, who continue to fight on four fronts during a busy schedule. This period, almost certainly, will see the team travel to Wembley to play the League Cup final, where Manchester beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the semi-final first leg.
This result means that Manchester United can rest some of its key players in the second leg next week.
The Dutch coach is inclined to rotate once morest Reading tomorrow, Saturday, especially since Manchester United is the favorite to win the match.
“But that’s on paper,” Ten Hag said of facing Paul Ince’s Reading team. Football is not decided on paper, we must be ready for every match, every competitor will be difficult, especially in the cup.
“For them, this match is a great opportunity. We must be aware of this. We have to be at the forefront, and be fully focused and with all our energy.”
And he added, “I think that in tomorrow’s match we will have a strong squad for this match. We have a good team, and we have depth in the team.”