Erik ten Hag has discussed Jadon Sancho’s progress and best position at Manchester United, amid fears over Antony’s ankle injury.
Sancho provided an assist as Manchester United beat Chelsea 4-1 to secure Champions League qualification on Thursday night and produced an encouraging performance at Old Trafford.
The 23-year-old has struggled to make an impact for much of his time in the Premier League, but has started the club’s last three league games, starting on the left during the win over Chelsea before switching to the right following an injury to Antony.
Ten Hag was pictured speaking with Sancho while Antony was receiving treatment and was asked to give his verdict on the winger’s performances this season.
“I was not in discussion with him, but I gave him some instructions,” Ten Hag said at his press conference ahead of the club’s final day fixture with Fulham. “So, I think I take that spell, because there was an injury, to give him some instructions.
“I do [this] more often with players [and it] is a short time. You have to take advantage of the short time on the pitch to give the instructions to your team and then it can be some individuals, sometimes it can be also some groups. And that is what I did.”
Ten Hag was pleased with the performance against Chelsea and believes the winger has shown signs of progress this season after an underwhelming start to his carer with the club.
“He did very well on the right side, and I think he played a very good game today. And I think Jadon Sancho was one of the players who [has made good] progress in this season. And there were many players in our squad who made good progress. I think it’s a good base to build further on.”
Sancho will hope to find form ahead of the FA Cup final on June 3, with the BBC suggesting that Manchester United are fearing that Antony could be out for an extended period with a recurrence of an ankle injury.
The Dutchman discussed Sancho’s preferred role and believes the England international has a preference to play on the left, but is confident the winger can perform equally on either side, having set up United’s second goal having moved to the right.
“He can do both, but I think he prefers to play on the left. But we have seen today he is very good on the right as well.”
