Transfer News
Erik Ten Hag gives surprise new role for Man United player after strong PSG links
Erik Ten Hag gives surprise new role for Man United player after strong PSG links
Erik Ten Hag says Jadon Sancho could play as striker for Man United
And according to Ten Hag, both striker’s unavailability could force Sancho to play in a makeshift role.
The winger looked to have no future at Old Trafford after a public falling out with his manager last season forced him to accept a loan move back to his former club Borussia Dortmund.
However, although there is speculation United are still willing to listen to offers for Sancho, Ten Hag, after reintegrating the 24-year-old, has hinted he could start the season using his number 25 as a striker.
“Yes, otherwise we wouldn’t play with him there,” the United boss said when asked if Sancho could lead the Red Devils’ attack, as quoted by the Telegraph.
man united vs forest jadon sancho pic
Jadon Sancho in action for Man United.
“That is what we can do if we don’t have the availability of Rasmus [Hojlund].
“But, of course, Joshua Zirkzee is coming in, he has started training, but also consider that he is not so long in training, so that will take time, and he has to adapt to English football and our way of playing as well.
“But there is also Jadon [Sancho] as a striker. We know he can play in wide areas, but also as a false striker, he’s an option.”
Marcus Rashford best suited to left-wing
Going on to comment on the possibility of Marcus Rashford also filling in as a striker, Ten Hag suggested playing on the left-wing is the position best suited to the former academy graduate.
“I think that Marcus [Rashford] has done it before and he can do it, and it’s definitely an option,” the Dutchman added.
“But I think he is most productive from the left, starting wide and coming inside.
“So when he can arrive there, he is most effective. But we have other options. We have Bruno Fernandes who can play as a striker as well.”
Next Saturday’s Community Shield at Wembley will be United’s final pre-season game before they kick off their 2024-25 Premier League campaign with a home tie against Fulham on Friday 16 August