“The choice is in his hands”-Erik ten Hag sends an encouraging message to Jadon Sancho in pre-match Manchester United interview as the winger nears his return.

Erik ten Hag sent Jadon Sancho a message ahead of Manchester United’s 2-1 victory over Sheffield United on Saturday evening.Jadon Sancho has been frozen out of the Manchester United squad for the last seven weeks after he claimed Erik ten Hag was scapegoating him for the team’s poor performances.Ten Hag claimed that Sancho was not training hard enough to earn a spot on the bench against Arsenal in early September, and Sancho retaliated with a public statement that has now seen him banished from all first-team activities.

Sancho does have a way back into the team if he says sorry to Ten Hag for his words, but no apology has been forthcoming and he is now likely to leave the club in January on a six-month loan.

Speaking to MUTV ahead of the tie, Ten Hag used Scott McTominay as an example of the attitude he expects from players who are not starting every week.“Football is about competition,” he said. “Scott played some very good games, but especially the last one. He is an example for all of us.

“He didn’t complain about being a substitute, he came in and scored two goals. That’s the attitude I expect.”Ten Hag’s reaction to McTominay’s actions has provided Sancho with the blueprint he should have followed when the winger was not starting at Old Trafford, but it may be too late for Sancho to fight his way back into the team.