My job is to eliminate ‘no good culture’ at Man United, says Erik ten Hag

LONDON – Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has refused to pinpoint Jadon Sancho but said that he had inherited a “no good culture” at the club, as he spoke on Friday ahead of his side’s English Premier League home clash against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Sancho’s United future was plunged into doubt on Thursday as the club confirmed that

he will train on his own

due to a “squad discipline issue”.

The forward was dropped for United’s 3-1 defeat by Arsenal earlier in September for what ten Hag deemed poor performances in training.

The 23-year-old responded by posting on social media he had been made a “scapegoat”, without giving details. The post was pinned to his account throughout the whole international break and was taken down only this week.

Reports said Sancho has had timekeeping issues when it comes to training, but the club did not comment on that, while the player himself has also reportedly refused to apologise.

When asked about the whole incident, ten Hag did not go into details but said: “I think everything is said. Sometimes you have setbacks with players being injured or unavailable for other reasons. But our squad are very strong and the players available are motivated, in good spirits and good mood going into the game.

“Strict lines is what the club asked of me because there was no good culture before last season. So to set good standards, that is what I did and it is my job to control the standards.

“It is never someone makes one mistake... it is a whole process before you come to a certain outcome about strict lines. There is a structure (not) to cross lines, so you have to be strong.”

Sancho was considered one of the brightest young talent in European football when he joined United for £73 million (S$123.3 million) from Borussia Dortmund in 2021.

But he has not lived up to that price tag at Old Trafford, contributing just 12 goals and six assists in 82 appearances.

Having struggled with mental health issues, he was also given time off by ten Hag between October and February last season to complete an individual fitness programme in the Netherlands.

The United boss was said to have been disappointed that his efforts were not reciprocated.

Apart from Sancho, United will be without fellow winger Antony on Saturday.

The Brazilian is absent to address domestic abuse allegations by a former girlfriend, compounding the club’s troubled start to the season on and off the pitch – United have already lost two of their opening four Premier League games.

The 23-year-old, signed from Ajax Amsterdam for £86 million last summer, has insisted he is “the victim of false accusations”.

“No idea,” ten Hag said when asked when his return will be.

Only in August, United decided Mason Greenwood should leave the club after separate abuse allegations, including attempted rape and assault. The charges were dropped and the 21-year-old has joined Spanish club Getafe on loan.

Ten Hag’s problems are not restricted to his forward line.

The underperforming Harry Maguire was expected to leave during the transfer window after slipping to fourth or even fifth-choice centre back.

But he refused to move and ended the Arsenal game alongside 35-year-old Jonny Evans, with Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and makeshift central defender Luke Shaw all injured.

Varane and Shaw remain out, but Martinez and Lindelof should return for the clash against the Seagulls on Saturday.

Earlier this week, Maguire was mocked by Scotland fans as he scored an own goal in England’s 3-1 friendly win.

The 30-year-old has constantly been ridiculed by even United supporters – mainly for his numerous poor performances – and his mum has slammed the “disgraceful” abuse of her son.

“I have said many times, it is disrespectful. He is a great player, gives great performances. Harry has to block this,” ten Hag added.

Meanwhile, the United boss will hope that two of his new signings can help turn the tide on the pitch on Saturday.

Morocco international Sofyan Amrabat could make his debut and bring some much-needed dynamism in midfield.

Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund is also set to make his first appearance at Old Trafford after an impressive cameo off the bench against Arsenal. AFP