“Jadon can play as a false striker” : Erik ten Hag has new plans amidst injury crisis
Never a dull day in your life if you are a Manchester United fan. Ever since the introduction of the Dutch manager in 2022, the Red Devils have been experiencing a phase of transformation and rebuilding, although some may say it has been going on a loop. This issue is mainly due to the huge amount of injuries they have faced over the past two seasons, and they are not over yet.
Apart from continuous injuries in the defence like Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw, and the latest signing of wonderkid Leny Yoro, there is a major striker shortage with lack of attacking options, as Rasmus Hojlund was the latest to get injured during pre-season. This has led the Red Devils’ manager to adapt to other options and change his tactics.
The names of Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford have come up on the list, with the former making a return at the club after an impressive loan spell at the black and yellow brand in Germany. After a public dispute with Erik ten Hag last season, the 24-year-old was exiled and did not participate in any games, which ultimately was the reason for his departure. But the loan turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as Jadon Sancho surprised everybody at Borussia Dortmund and regained his form back, while almost clinching a Champions League title as well.
What Erik ten Hag has in store for Jadon Sancho
Following their reconciliation and positive talks, the Englishman has been reintegrated into the first team dynamics as ten Hag is willing to give him another chance to shine at Old Trafford, in hope to finally unlock his true potential.
The 54-year-old hinted that Jadon Sancho’s new role could be in the middle as a ‘false nine’ or even at striker, with captain Bruno Fernandes hovering around him. Although the Englishman can play at wider areas as well, Erik ten Hag believes Marcus Rashford would be a more effective option for that, driving in from the left and cutting inside.
“There is also, of course, Jadon, who can play as a striker. We know he can play in wide areas, but also as a false striker, he’s an option. Marcus has done it before [played up front] and he can do it, and it’s definitely an option. 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 who can play as a striker as well.” said Erik ten Hag (via GOAL).
Ten Hag also addressed the option of newly signed fellow Dutch player Joshua Zirkzee, who is on a high after a fantastic season in Italy, although admitted he needs time to adapt to Premier League football.
“Joshua Zirkzee, he’s coming in, he’s started training. But you also have to consider that he’s 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.” said the Dutchman (via GOAL).
Erik ten Hag will face Pep Guardiola in a much-awaited Manchester Derby for the Community Shield this Saturday, and it will be interesting to see where (or if) Jadon Sancho plays in it.
