Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag hopes that the Old Trafford reception will help motivate Jadon Sancho as he returns after an injury layoff. After defeating Nottingham Forest 2-0 in the second leg of the semifinals at Old Trafford to win 5-0 overall, United will take on Newcastle in the championship game on February 26. The first leg’s 3-0 victory at the City Ground last week created the groundwork for this week’s second leg, and goals from Anthony Martial and Fred early in the second half sealed their trip to the capital. Sancho’s return, who made his first United game since October following a protracted sabbatical, was another plus for United. Since Sancho chose to complete a personal fitness regimen in the Netherlands rather than fly to the team’s winter training camp in Spain, he was “not in the correct condition or fitness state.”
“The majority of key players (must) enjoy football since it provides them energy and inspires them to act and perform,” Erik ten Hag said talking about Jadon Sancho. “He holds himself to extremely high standards and has a lot to offer our team. As we play more in the opposing side’s half, his abilities become more apparent and the squad as a whole improves. He has the best opportunity to succeed since he can act on them more and get more touches on the ball. I thought the response from his supporters was fantastic, and that will only encourage him to keep acting the way he is right now.”
“He just got back into it, and now that he’s back in Carrington, we’re hoping he can keep it up and really help the club out. When he’s in good shape, he’s essential to us,” he added. “He has already demonstrated his talent this season, as evidenced by his fantastic goal against Leicester and the game against Liverpool, both of which were wins for Spurs. Our attacking play should improve and produce more chances when you are always available and frequently play alongside the players who make up our current midfield and front line. At that point, I believe players will be more engaged in the process and more eager to collaborate.”
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