Erik ten Hag Nears Resolution of Jadon Sancho Dispute Following Face-to-Face Talks with Man United

Jadon Sancho has moved closer to resolving his "conflict" with Erik ten Hag following face-to-face talks between Manchester United officials and the player during his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund.

The 24-year-old was excluded from United's first-team squad after allegations of inadequate training, which he denies. However, he has contributed to Dortmund's progress towards the Champions League final.

With United open to offers for most players this summer, Sancho is expected to depart, although Ten Hag has left room for reconsideration, with a final decision slated for the season's end.

"We are progressing in that regard," said Ten Hag regarding a potential return for Sancho. "We attend games, not just (Wednesday). We've attended, I wouldn't say all, but several Dortmund matches where Jadon has performed. We've also met and conversed with him during his stint there. This process will continue, with ongoing communication."

United's director of player negotiations, Matt Hargreaves, and former director of football John Murtough, visited Sancho in Germany. Since his £73 million move from Dortmund in 2021, Sancho's standout performances have occurred during his loan spell with his former club. Former United captain Rio Ferdinand lauded Sancho's recent performance against Paris Saint-Germain as "remarkable," praising his skills and agility on the field.

Ten Hag stated that both parties will focus on their remaining games of the season before determining the next steps.

“There was a conflict and let’s first finish the season – he is not here now - so stay away from this issue now because it is not important,” he said. “He has the return of the semi-final, for them also in the league it is not going that well for them and we have four important games in the league and the FA Cup final so that is the issue and the focus point in this moment and then we will see in the summer what is going to happen.”

Ten Hag responds to departure of his allies

Meanwhile, Ten Hag has addressed the ramifications of two key figures departing the club: John Murtough and transfer negotiator Matt Judge. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has assumed control of football operations and has introduced his own personnel behind the scenes.

“I don’t think in dangers. I think in opportunities. I think never in problems, I think how do we solve those problems or avoid them,” he said, and was asked if he feels exposed by the departure of his allies.

“I don’t have that feeling. So I work well with them, we are aligned, we communicate every day and there are already new people in a new structure, we communicate on a daily basis.”

Bruno Fernandes is uncertain for Monday evening's clash against Crystal Palace. The United captain's recent interview hinted at potential future considerations, but Ten Hag believes Fernandes will "certainly" honor his contract at Old Trafford, which extends for two years with an option.

Unfortunately, United will also be without defender Harry Maguire on Monday night, as he faces approximately three weeks out due to a muscular injury sustained in training. While Maguire is expected to miss the remainder of the Premier League season, he could recover in time for the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25, and his participation in this summer's European Championship remains unaffected.