Jadon Sancho described as 'complicated character' by United locker room

The winger joined Manchester United in 2021

Jadon Sancho’s future at Manchester United hangs in the balance after his spat with manager Erik Ten Hag about his place in the squad went public.

After United’s 3-1 loss to Arsenal at The Emirates, when manager Erik ten Hag was asked about Sancho’s absence from the squad, he was very blunt in his reply and said. –

"Jadon, on his performances in training we did not select him.

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

Many expected the topic to end there as most of the focus was on United’s loss to Arsenal.

However, that was far from what happened as after Ten Hag’s comments about Sancho slacking in training, the former Borussia Dortmund man put out a social media post in which he effectively accused the manager of lying and using him as a scapegoat.

“I will not allow people saying things that is completely untrue,” wrote Sancho. “I have conducted myself in training very well in training.

"I believe there are other reasons for this matter that I won't go into. l'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 (am) grateful to do so which I know every week is a challenge. I will continue to fight for this badge no matter what!"

Despite him reaffirming his efforts to United, it is highly unlikely that the winger will feature anytime soon for the United first team. Ten Hag is known for being a disciplinarian, it was under his command that Cristiano Ronaldo was shown the door after he publicly declared that he had no respect for the manager. And Marcus Rashford was famously dropped for a game after he turned up to a team meeting late. He is increasingly likely to exit the club in the winter transfer window.

Now, sources in close contact with United players and staff have revealed that Sancho’s dedication has been questioned by many in the dressing room and that he has been described as a “complicated character”.

He sometimes comes across as loud and extroverted, however at times he becomes very introverted.

At an Adidas kit launch in Melbourne in 2022, he asked the event host to avoid asking him questions and focus instead on Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay.