By Gabriel Agbonlahor

6th Sep, 2023 | 11:10am

Agbonlahor issues verdict on Ten Hag freezing Jadon Sancho out at Man United after new clash

Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Man United boss Erik ten Hag to “iron out” his high-profile dispute with winger Jadon Sancho.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed it wouldn’t be “right” for the manager to criticise the 23-year-old’s training levels without letting the player respond.

As per Sky Sports (4 September), Ten Hag claimed Sancho was left out of the squad to face Arsenal on Sunday (3 September) as he didn’t reach the required “level” in training.

The England international subsequently responded on X (3 September), claiming he has been a “scapegoat” for a long time at the club and insisted he has conducted himself “very well” in training.

Sancho is yet to start for the Red Devils this season but made substitute appearances in each of their first three games this season.

The ex-Man City youngster cost Man United a reported £73million in 2021 but has managed just 12 goals and six assists in 82 games.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I don’t think it’s over for him at Man United.

“Don’t get me wrong, it would be over when you’re playing under some managers. Mourinho would have sent him to Salford.

“But I think Sancho and Ten Hag will iron it out. He seems a decent man manager.

“You can’t blame Sancho because it’s not right for the manager to come out and say that, and not let the player respond.

“If Sancho feels that he’s trained properly, why can’t he respond?

“I’m sticking up for the player on this occasion.

“It’s a tricky one. Sancho could be left to rot if they can’t sort it out, but it’s more likely that someone above the manager will want them to nip it in the bud.

“They won’t want it to keep going on and on.”

In other news, update on Man United signing £90m-rated ace in January.