- Jadon Sancho led Manchester United’s attack in their friendly against Liverpool
- The Red Devils lost 3-0 and Sancho failed to make a big impact
- Erik ten Hag believes he has what it takes to continue playing in the position.
Jadon Sancho could lead Manchester United’s attack and start the season as a No.9, according to boss Erik ten Hag.
United flew back to England immediately after a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool in South Carolina to end both teams’ pre-season tours of the US following goals from Fabio Carvalho, Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas.
United created plenty of chances, but lacked a natural striker to finish them off.
With five days to go until the Community Shield against Manchester City – with Rasmus Hojlund out injured and summer signing Joshua Zirkzee still working his way back to fitness – Ten Hag was asked whether Sancho could start the season as a makeshift No9.
The Dutchman said: “That’s what we can do if we don’t have Rasmus available. Of course Joshua Zirkzee will be available as well.”
Jadon Sancho started up front for Manchester United in Saturday’s friendly against Liverpool
Sancho can lead the line and start the season as number 9, according to manager Erik ten Hag
‘He has started training, but he has not been training for that long, so it will take him time to adapt to English football and our way of playing.
“Jadon can play as a striker, of course. He can also play on the wings, but that could be a good option.”
Young striker Ethan Wheatley is of course an option for Ten Hag and has been working closely with new coach Ruud van Nistelrooy.
“He was probably one of the best strikers we’ve had at the club. Ever since he arrived I’ve tried to find out what he’s like,” he said this week.
But one can’t help but think that United look unprepared in attacking areas ahead of the new season.
