‘I’ve been a scapegoat for a long time’ – Jadon Sancho fires back at Erik ten Hag after scathing criticism

Jadon Sancho is not happy with his manager’s comments (Picture: Getty Images)

Jadon Sancho has hit out at his Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag after the Dutchman said the winger was not in the squad to face Arsenal on Sunday due to his performances in training.

United were beaten 3-1 at the Emirates thanks to injury time goals from Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus, with Sancho not involved in the contest.

After the game Ten Hag appeared to be brutally honest on why the England international was not even on the substitutes’ bench, saying he has not been performing on the training pitch.

 ‘On his performance on training we didn’t select him,’ said Ten Hag of Sancho in a post-match press conference.

‘You have to reach the level every day at Manchester United. You can make choices in the front line, so in this game he wasn’t selected.’

Sancho is clearly not happy and does not agree with that sentiment, posting a fiery response on social media shortly afterwards.

‘Please don’t believe everything you read!’ Sancho posted on X. ‘I will not allow people saying things that is completely untrue, I have conducted myself in training very well this week.

Erik ten Hag was left extremely frustrated at the Emirates (Picture: Getty Images)

‘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!’

18-year-old Dan Gore and fellow youngster Hannibal Mejbri were handed places in the United squad ahead of Sancho on Sunday.

Sancho has not started a game for United this season, coming off the bench in each of United’s three games prior to Sunday against Wolves, Tottenham and Nottingham Forest.

‘I’ve been a scapegoat for a long time which isn’t fair!’