Pundit praises ‘lively’ Sancho for impact against Leeds as Ten Hag outlines next steps for winger
Jadon Sancho made an impact from the bench against Leeds United as he produced an equaliser to rescue a point for Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag’s side hadn’t looked like their usual selves in the first half as they found themselves 1-0 down at the break.
Man United now sit third in the league and are two points behind Manchester City, having played one more game than their local rivals.
Former Leeds defender Micky Gray was impressed with the impact Sancho had in the second half, although he has questioned Illan Meslier.
“Take nothing away from Sancho, he’s looked really lively since he came on the field,” Gray told talkSPORT.
“The ball actually falls to his feet very kindly in that 18 yard area, he just has to get his shot away but Meslier, you do have to question the goalkeeper.
“When the ball comes through, yeah he might see it late but I think that’s a save the goalkeeper has got to make, I really do. There’s not enough pace on it to go past the goalkeeper. He has to save it.”
He added: “He’s gone through a horrid time, he really has. Trained on his own, he’s tried to get back his form, well hopefully this is going to kickstart his career at United.”
Prior to his appearance against Leeds, Sancho hadn’t featured for Man United in the Premier League since October.
The winger has scored three league goals and has produced one assist so far this season.
Ten Hag praised the impact that Sancho had in the second half and he has outlined the next steps in his development at Old Trafford.
“I am really happy he is in the right direction,” Ten Hag told reporters. “I hope he can keep this momentum going and I am sure it will strengthen him and motivate him to do even more.
“As you can see he is a brilliant footballer and if he can invest in the right levels he can be outstanding.
“I think we now have a team that can dictate a game, can play more in the opponent’s half. He likes that, he can play in tight areas, he can make the difference. The second goal shows it.”
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