Jadon Sancho faces awkward Man United reunion after Sir Jim Ratcliffe decision

Jadon Sancho and Erik ten Hag could be set for an awkward reunion. The duo fell out almost a year ago before parting ways in the January transfer window; the 24-year-old winger joined Borussia Dortmund on loan while the Manchester United boss fought for his job.

Playing a key role in Edin Terzic's side, Sancho helped the German club reach the Champions League final. He started each of Dortmund's knockout ties, appearing in wins against PSV Eindhoven, Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain before losing to Real Madrid at the last hurdle.

Meanwhile, Ten Hag led United to the FA Cup glory, defeating Manchester City at Wembley Stadium. Despite getting his hands on some silverware, the Dutchman still faced an uncertain future after a poor end to the Premier League campaign.

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United finished eighth in the Premier League and only clinched Europa League qualification through the FA Cup. Nevertheless, the Manchester Evening News Ten Hag will remain in his post and negotiations have begun over a contract extension.

With the 54-year-old staying and Sancho set to return to pre-season training next month, the duo will be in for an awkward reunion at Carrington. United get the ball rolling against Rosenborg on July 15 before facing Rangers on July 20 and Arsenal on July 28.

Then, at the start of August, the Reds lock horns with Real Betis and Liverpool. In September 2023, the winger was omitted from the matchday squad to face Arsenal due to 'his performance in training'. The Dutchman said: "Jadon, on his performance in training, was not selected.

"You have to reach a level at Manchester United every day and we can make choices in the front line. So for this game he was not selected."

Shortly after Ten Hag's comment, Sancho posted a statement on social media. He wrote: "Please don't believe everything you read! I will not allow people saying things that is completely untrue, I have conducted myself in training very well this week.

"I believe there are other reasons for this matter that I won't go into, I've been a scapegoat for a long time which isn't fair! All I want to do is play football with a smile on my face and contribute to my team.

"I respect all decisions that are made by the coaching staff, I play with fantastic players and grateful to do so which I know every week is a challenge. I will continue to fight for this badge no matter what!"

Later that month, Ten Hag was quizzed on Sancho's rebuttal. In his press conference before United's clash against Brighton, he said: "It's about team construction, the group dynamic. But it's about the team, the team is above everything else.

"In that team, anyone plays their role and anyone is different. There are different characters and you have to manage those characters. But the team is always above everything else."

Ten Hag added: "The club asked me, because there was no good culture before I entered last season, to set some standards. So it's my job to control the standards.

"Of course, it's never been someone making one mistake, it's a whole process before you come to a certain outcome about strict lines. Staff, players, or whoever, if there is a structure to cross lines, you have to be strong, absolutely."

Then, when asked whether Sancho would don the United shirt again, Ten Hag replied: "I don't know. I am sitting here. Tomorrow we have a big game, we are going into a new block of games, many games in a condensed programme. I focus on that. He is not available, so in this moment, he is not important, because he can't contribute."