Sancho came off the bench to grab a goal against Leicester (Picture: Getty)
Erik ten Hag has hailed Jadon Sancho’s performance in his ‘midfield position’ after introducing the Manchester United star in a no10 role in the 3-0 win over Leicester City.
Sancho, back in the squad after an extended break away, came off the bench at half-time to replace Alejandro Garnacho at half-time.
While they had taken the lead through Marcus Rashford, United struggled in the first-half and needed to superb saves from David de Gea to keep Leicester at bay.
Ten Hag’s side improved dramatically in the second-half, however, with Rashford scoring a second after 56 minutes before Sancho capped a superb flowing move himself, finishing superbly from Bruno Fernandes’s cutback.
After coming off the bench, Sancho occupied a central role behind Wout Weghorst with Fernandes to his right and Rashford on the left.
While ten Hag was pleased with all aspects of his performance, he pinpointed the 22-year-old’s improvement in ‘defensive transitions’ as a particular highlight.
‘He is in the right direction but he is not in this moment achieving his limits,’ ten Hag told Sky Sports.
Sancho took up a central role during a thrilling second-half performance (Picture: Getty)
‘There is a lot of space for improvement for him and right now he is already on a high level.
‘And I’m sure when he keeps especially the joy of football it will really improve his performance.
‘Today when you see he is coming on in the midfield position now, great runs, great passes, good in possession and also, especially the one that gives me a lot of joy, defensive transition.’
Sancho has made four appearances since being brought back into the squad, scoring twice having also got on the score sheet in the 2-2 draw with Leeds United.
With Antony and Anthony Martial still working their way back to fitness, the former Borussia Dortmund star will be pushing for a start when United take on Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final next Sunday.
Before that, United welcome Barcelona to Old Trafford for the second leg of their Europa League play-off following Thursday’s thrilling 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou.
MORE : Erik ten Hag praises three Manchester United stars after ‘rubbish’ first half against Leicester City
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Sancho came off the bench and scored in a superb second-half.
