Former Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy has shed new light on the struggles Jadon Sancho faced at Old Trafford, suggesting that the winger’s introverted personality and inconsistent training performances contributed to his fallout with Erik ten Hag.
Sancho, who rejoined Borussia Dortmund on loan last season, was publicly criticised by ten Hag for failing to meet the club’s training standards. However, McCarthy offered a different perspective, highlighting the winger’s immense talent and misunderstood character. According to McCarthy, Sancho was a quiet and private individual who often kept to himself, a trait that may have been misinterpreted by teammates and coaching staff alike.
“He’s a very closed-off person. He keeps to himself, and that may have given the impression he wasn’t trying to bond with others. But that’s just who he is. Some players are loud and outgoing, others more reserved. Jadon is definitely the latter,” said McCarthy, adding that it would be unfair to judge the player based on his social interactions rather than his performance on the pitch.
Despite his reserved nature, McCarthy praised Sancho’s technical brilliance and natural flair. He described the England international as a player capable of moments of magic in training that could leave coaches and teammates in awe. Yet, that flair alone wasn’t enough to satisfy ten Hag’s unyielding standards.
McCarthy highlighted that consistency was the key word in Sancho’s downfall. Under ten Hag, every training session carried as much weight as match day, and players were expected to maintain peak effort from Monday to Friday. Sancho’s flashes of brilliance were not enough to win him the trust of the Dutch manager, who demanded unwavering intensity throughout the week.
McCarthy believes that the rigid expectations clashed with Sancho’s personality and rhythm, ultimately leading to the well-documented rift between the two. The winger’s decision not to apologise to the manager also marked a turning point in his time at the club, further distancing him from the team’s core.
As Manchester United gear up for their pre-season opener against FK Bodø/Glimt, Sancho’s future continues to dominate headlines. Juventus have reportedly emerged as frontrunners in the race to sign him permanently, with Chelsea having pulled out of the running.
Sancho, who joined United in a blockbuster £73 million transfer in 2021, has failed to deliver on expectations, scoring just 12 goals and providing six assists in 83 appearances. With his United chapter likely closing, McCarthy remains steadfast in his support for the player, calling him “unbelievable” and “unplayable” at his best an endorsement that highlights the untapped potential still within Sancho, should he find the right environment to thrive.
