Manchester United’s Erik ten Hag was simply delighted with Jadon Sancho’s excellent performance after coming on as a substitute and scored a magnificent goal in the 2-2 draw with Leeds United.
The former Borussia Dortmund winger finally featured in his first Premier League outing since the draw at Chelsea in October by scoring the crucial equalizer, after teammate and buddy Marcus Rashford had brought the Reds back into the game with a header.
The dynamics of the game picked up as Sancho linked effectively with Luke Shaw down the left flank, effectively causing numerous problems for the visiting defense.
“I am happy,” said the United boss in an interview with Sky Sports. “He is all the way back. We know he is a magnificent football player and he can definitely be, for our team, a big impact. Tonight, he had [that].
“I think he can be consistent and have a great impact. But he has to work, every day, really hard, as we all [must]. In this moment, he is in a good mood. I think it will strengthen him, it will motivate him to even give more and then you will see you will get more.
“Of course, like I said, he is a brilliant footballer and the second goal, I really enjoyed it, especially for him.”
When queried further on the return of the England international, the manager is confident Jadon can use this momentum to regain top form.
“I’m really happy he’s in the right direction,” he explained. “I hope he can keep this momentum going. I’m sure it will strengthen him and motivate him to do even more. As you see, he’s a brilliant footballer and, if he invests, and he is in the right levels, he can perform outstanding.
“I think we now have a team who can dictate games and play more in an opponent’s half and he likes that. He can play in tight areas and he can make a difference. That second goal shows it but also I think when he came on last week, he showed it as well.”
The Red Devils’ gaffer says it is all up to Sancho to deliver the goods for the rest of the season, although he could not yet promise him a start on Sunday at Elland Road.
“That’s in his own hands,” Erik replied, when asked what the winger needs to do.
“If he wants, he can do it. This team is great to play in. It gives you joy but I really enjoy seeing him play the way he did with so much confidence and so much belief. Really direct. It was great to see him and to play in this attack.
“It is too quickly to answer that question [about getting in the team at the weekend]. I have to reflect and first analyze his game and reflect on his game and then we will make decisions.”