The 22-year-old had a strong start to the season, scoring three goals before the international break in September.

Erik ten Hag is unsure when Jadon Sancho will return to Manchester United action.

The 22-year-old had three goals before the international break in September, but has not played since United’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea on October 22.

Ten Hag stated that he noticed a significant drop in Sancho’s confidence after he was left out of England’s squad for the Nations League matches in September.

“There are circumstances with fitness and mood,” Ten Hag explained to reporters. “He was not in the proper physical or mentɑl condition.”

Sancho scored three goals in his first eight games of the season, but he missed the final four games before the World Cup break and did not travel with United on their recent two-game tour of Spain.

Ten Hag reveɑled that Sancho has been working on his own fitness program, with the help of a coach in the Netherlands who has previously worked with the United manager.

“I’ve had several conversations with Jadon,” Ten Hag said. “He’s on a physical program, and our goal is to get him back as soon as possible, but I can’t sɑy when that will be.”

Sancho joined United from Borussia Dortmund in 2021 for £73 million, but has yet to replicate his goal-scoring form for the Bundesliga club in England.

“When the league first started, he played some good games, but then we got a drop in levels,” Ten Hag explained. “There are times when you don’t know why or what is causing it.

“Most of the time, it comes gradually. You observe first, but the statistics back it up. He had goals and assists at the start of the season, but his key moments and actions became fewer and fewer.

Erik ten Hag has already shown Amad the way to first-team football at Manchester United.

Amad, a loanee from Manchester United, has been in superb form for Sunderland this season.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag’s approach to talent, regardless of age, has already demonstrated to Amad that he can compete for a starting spot in his XI next season.

Amad appears to have turned a corner after a slow start to his time at Sunderland. During the Black Cats’ 2-1 Championship loss to West Brom on Monday night, the 20-year-old scored his fifth goal in seven league appearances.

In the 19th minute, the United loanee won and scored a penalty to give his team the lead. Despite the Baggies scoring twice late on to secure all three points, Amad was a constant threɑt throughout the evening and was unlucky not to add to his tally after appearing to be brought down in the box again in the second half – but the referee waved away the home side’s appeals.

The Ivorian will be hoping that Ten Hag is watching his goal-scoring form, as Amad demonstrates exactly what he has to offer the Dutchman when he returns to Old Trafford in the summer. The youngster should also be encouraged by the former Ajax manager’s approach to giving youth a chance, which he outlined during his tenure in charge of the Eredivisie club.

During his visit to the Netherlands, the 52-year-old was asked about his thoughts on guaranteed starters. According to Ten Hag: “But, in my opinion, no one is a [guaranteed starter]. And I informed them of this. Yes, there is a hierarchy, but whether you’re 19 or 29, you play when you’re the best at your position.”

United’s need for more goals is obvious, which is why they pursued a striker in January. However, Amad should take heart from his manager’s words, knowing that if he can keep up his goal-scoring form, he has a good chance of starting under Ten Hag when he returns, regardless of who the club signs.

Of course, there is still a long way to go between now and next season, but Amad is doing everything he can to demonstrate why he deserves a chance at United. If he maintains his current attacking output, the only question will be whether Ten Hag is a man of his word.

Everything the Dutchman has done at Old Trafford thus far has demonstrated that he most emphatically is.