Ten Hag: Man United need Jadon Sancho back soon to strengthen their front line

Erik ten Hag admits Manchester United need Jadon Sancho back in action as soon as possible but won’t force the England star to speed up his recovery.

Sancho has returned to the club’s Carrington base to complete an individual fitness program after working alone in Holland for several weeks because Ten Hag said he was not in the right physical and mental condition to play with the rest of the team to train.

United are already looking to sign a forward in the January transfer window after tearing up Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract and Ten Hag conceded Sancho would be a valuable addition to a depleted strike force.

Man United boss Erik ten Hag has admitted he needs Jadon Sancho back as soon as possible

England winger Sancho has returned to the Carrington training ground after spending several weeks working alone in Holland on an individualized program to improve his physical and mental condition

The United manager revealed the 22-year-old winger is making progress but insisted he will not push Sancho to come back before he is ready.

“We have some hurdles to overcome, but I think he’s going in a good direction,” said Ten Hag. “I will be very happy when he returns to the squad for team training. That’s the next step.

“The physical is also connected to the mental. He is making good progress on the physical part now and that will help him. I think – let’s say I hope – he can come back quickly, but I can’t say how long that will take.

But Netherlands manager Ten Hag insisted he will not push the 22-year-old back until he is ready

“I want him back as soon as possible. I will do everything in my power, but some processes cannot be forced and this is one of them.

“So I have to show patience, although I don’t have the patience because you’re right, we lack the opportunities on the front line. If he’s fit, Jadon can add something and then we have an extra option.

“He was in the Netherlands, but the trial could have taken place in England. I think for many top athletes it is sometimes good to leave the place where you are every day to get a new atmosphere and experience.

He added that United’s medical team are still investigating Donny van de Beek’s right knee injury

“People have a different approach and that can give you the right boost to get you back on track. Soccer players are not robots. Nobody is the same. For each you need an individual approach. We thought working with Jadon was the best choice.’

Ten Hag said United’s medical team is still investigating Donny van de Beek’s right knee injury and stressed the importance of signing goalkeeper Jack Butland from Crystal Palace by the end of the season.

“We need three experienced goalkeepers,” said the Dutchman. “You don’t want a situation where you have to hopefully play for trophies and use a young goalkeeper. It can kill your season.’