02 January 2023 , 16:26
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Jadon Sancho has arrived back at Manchester United as he continues the individual programme given to him by Erik ten Hag.
Signed from Borussia Dortmund for £73million in 2021, the 22-year-old has endured an arduous first 18 months at Old Trafford. Following a disappointing first campaign, there were shoots of optimism in pre-season, with the forward appearing to improve under the new manager.
However, after a sluggish start to the season, Ten Hag removed Sancho from contention and he has missed the last five Premier League matches. The Dutchman confirmed his absence was due to the player struggling “physically and mentally”.
Sancho has been training away from Manchester in recent weeks, firstly with a club in the Netherlands, before this week returning to Carrington.
On Monday, the England international was snapped driving into United’s training HQ, although it is understood he will still be on a tailored programme away from team-mates. Speaking last week, Ten Hag refused to confirm when he would return to the matchday squad, but offered a brief insight into his progress.
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"The time is not now [for him to return to the squad] but he is making progress," Ten Hag said of Sancho. "We will see when he is ready to return into the squad. He's back in Manchester, he will start individual training."
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Jadon Sancho returned to Manchester United's training base on Monday (ZENPIX LTD)Sancho has recently taken a break from social media, with Ten Hag previously stating that he saw a drop in his performance levels thanks to a number of factors. "We want to bring him back as quickly as possible, but I can't give a prognosis of when that will be,” the manager said of Sancho last month.
“Sometimes, there are circumstances with fitness and mood. We got a drop of level and sometimes you don't know why or what is causing it. That is what we are doing now to try to get him back there. It is a combination of physically and mentally."
Along with a number of specialist coaches, Ten Hag has also introduced the use of esteemed sports psychologist Rainier Koers. The ex-Ajax boss specifically recommended the life coach, who has been brought in to instil a positive spirit within the camp.
Jadon Sancho hasn't featured for Manchester United since before the World Cup (Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)On Koers’ role, Ten Hag added: "He is here continually the whole season working in the coaching staff, working with the squad but also with the staff and departments. That's his job to get the right spirit in the individual and the team."
The rest of the United squad have turned their focus towards Tuesday night’s meeting with Bournemouth. The 1-0 win over Wolves on New Year’s Eve, combined with Tottenham ’s defeat a day later, mean they start 2023 occupying a spot in the top four.
Despite the win, Ten Hag lamented a lack of focus during the first half at Molineux, something he is confident has now been eradicated. “I think already in half-time [against Wolves], I solved it.
“I saw a different approach in the second half and it was more investment, there was more focus, more aggression, we had better organisation in the second half and I think we created even more chances and I think the win was also well deserved.”