Erik ten Hag emphasizes that Manchester United’s success hinges on having “hungry players,” a sentiment expressed shortly after Jadon Sancho’s departure, occurring just over a year after Cristiano Ronaldo’s high-profile exit.
Appointed as head coach 19 months ago to instigate changes both on and off the pitch at Old Trafford, ten Hag has faced various challenges, including the contentious conclusion of Ronaldo’s second stint at United in November 2022.
Another significant departure has now transpired midway through ten Hag’s tenure with the Premier League giants.
Sancho found himself excluded from the first team since September after asserting on social media that he was unfairly singled out as a “scapegoat” for his omission from a matchday squad, a decision attributed to his training performance by the Dutch coach.
The 23-year-old recently secured a loan move back to his former club, Borussia Dortmund, for the remainder of the season. While extending his best wishes to Sancho, the United boss underscored the importance of cultivating the right mentality within the club.
“I’ve already mentioned that we need individuals with strong character and players who possess a deep hunger to fight for the badge, to fight for this club, and to do so collectively as a team.”
Discipline remains a fundamental aspect of ten Hag’s managerial philosophy, a principle supported by the Glazers during the Ronaldo saga.
Additionally, the newly arrived minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has not intervened in Sancho’s departure, with ten Hag emphasizing the expectation of “normal behavior” from top professionals.
