01 February 2023 , 22:47
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Erik ten Hag plans to deploy Jadon Sancho as a No.10 after the England international made his Manchester United comeback on Wednesday night.
Sancho, 22, came off the bench in United's 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford. Second-half goals from Anthony Martial and Fred were enough to secure United's spot in the Carabao Cup final - their first Wembley cup final since May 2018.
Ten Hag's side were always expected to reach the Carabao Cup final after beating Forest 3-0 at the City Ground last month. Their opponents at Wembley on February 26 will be Newcastle, who defeated Southampton 3-1 on aggregate in the other semi-final.
Ten Hag was asked about Sancho's central role during his post-match interview with Sky Sports. He said: "I think we have done that before. You move Bruno out and create also a different dynamic in the team, that is what we intended to do.
"Jadon, I know he can play as a 10 as well. He can play as a winger - he can play as a 10 - but often we mix it around and that is what I like. The position has to be occupied and it’s about the players keeping discipline to do that."
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Sancho's last appearance before Wednesday night came in October, with the Englishman missing the recent World Cup in Qatar. He was placed on an individual programme in December and started training with the first team again the following month.
Jadon Sancho made his Manchester United comeback on Wednesday night (Getty Images)Do you think Manchester United will win the Carabao Cup? Let us know in the comments below!
Sancho received a brilliant reception from United fans, who will be hoping he can fulfil his potential under Ten Hag. The former Borussia Dortmund star was one of the last players to leave the pitch after Wednesday night's game, as he applauded the fans.
Ten Hag was also happy to call on Martial again. Like Sancho, the Frenchman has missed several games this season. "We have had to make lots of compromises in the season so far so hopefully now they [all players back from injuries] are all available," added Ten Hag.
"If you want to win trophies, you need them all to be available. You saw tonight you can bring a new dynamic off the bench... It's a luxury problem [to have a big squad] but it's how we wanted it. It's normal at Manchester United to play every few days."
On United's performance, Ten Hag said: "Of course, when we win this round and go through the semi-final it's OK. First half wasn't great to be honest. I think it was professional - how we played - but the tempo was too low, too slow.
"We didn’t create the chances and we allowed them two chances, which shouldn’t happen. But I think second half was better - more tempo - and then we make some good goals."
United will face a difficult challenge against Newcastle - who are third in the Premier League - in the final. Ten Hag said: "Of course we are looking forward to it. We get to go to Wembley and it's Newcastle United, who are great team. But it is far away for us."