Erik ten Hag Responds to Jadon Sancho’s Penalty Miss After Wembley Repeat
In the aftermath of Manchester United‘s narrow loss to Manchester City in the Community Shield, Erik ten Hag has expressed unwavering confidence in Jadon Sancho’s ability to convert penalties, despite the winger’s recent miss at Wembley.
The match, which ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, saw United on the brink of victory before Ederson saved Sancho’s crucial spot-kick during the penalty shootout, leading to another moment of heartbreak for the young player at the iconic stadium.
Sancho’s history with penalties at Wembley has been fraught with disappointment. His last high-profile miss from the spot occurred during the Euro 2020 final, where England fell to Italy in a dramatic shootout, with Gianluigi Donnarumma denying Sancho’s effort.
This latest setback could have dented the confidence of many, but not for Sancho’s manager.
Erik ten Hag was quick to dismiss any concerns, stating firmly, “He’s a very good penalty taker, and I had—and have—no doubts about letting him take a penalty. Also in the future, he will take penalties.” The Dutchman’s words reflect his belief in Sancho’s abilities, indicating that the 23-year-old remains a key figure in his plans for the upcoming season.
Sancho’s journey at Manchester United has been anything but smooth. Following a public dispute with Ten Hag on social media last season, which saw him excluded from the matchday squad and subsequently loaned back to his former club Borussia Dortmund, many speculated that his time at Old Trafford was coming to an end.
However, the pre-season has told a different story, with Sancho once again finding favor under Ten Hag.
Reflecting on their past differences, Ten Hag revealed that the tension between them is now a thing of the past. “As we said, we draw the line. Manchester United needs good players, and Jadon is a good player. We have drawn that line and we move on,” Ten Hag asserted.
While United’s Community Shield loss was a bitter pill to swallow, Ten Hag remains focused on the positives. “The league start is the most important. I think we can take a lot of positives from this game, and it will give us confidence but also a little bit of pain in our stomach,” he remarked, highlighting the resilience and determination he expects from his squad as they embark on the new Premier League campaign.
Erik ten Hag Responds to Jadon Sancho’s Penalty Miss After Wembley Repeat