PANAJI
A smiling Jadon Sancho was recently pictured alongside Harry Maguire in training. The winger, who spent a few weeks in the Netherlands recuperating has added to the positive atmosphere at Carrington.
"Brilliant news that Sancho could be back for @ManUtd vs Reading tomorrow. @Sanchooo10 at his best will be like a new, great signing for the red devils," tweeted Jan Aage Fjørtoft, former Norwegian footballer and a TV pundit.
Sancho's return to Carrington has many United fans gassed. Prior to the Reading FA Cup tie, some fans hoped to see the 22-year-old winger return to the fold, while others debated whether the likes of Pellistri and Garnacho could start against The Royals.
The FA Cup 4th round fixture was a great opportunity to rest key players whilst allowing youngsters and seniors such as Maguire and Lindelof to make their case to Erik ten Hag.
However, as per the Dutchman, the players have to earn that opportunity.
"I never, never let players get opportunities. A player has to deserve opportunities and they’re doing that by their performances on the training pitch, by their performances when they are on the pitch on the match day," Ten Hag told club media.
Currently, Manchester United are the only English club vying for four trophies (Premier League, Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Europa League) and will be playing games every 3-4 days until February 26 which is likely to take a heavy toll on the players.
The Red Devils dropped points against Crystal Palace (Jan 19) and Arsenal (Jan 22). In both games, the team failed to make an impression in the second half.
United have been blessed with easy ties against Nottingham Forest (Carabao Cup - 2 legs) and Reading (FA Cup), thereby giving Ten Hag a window to rest a handful of key players. But the 52-year-old had another idea, to play a virtually unchanged eleven.
Christen Erisken was spotted departing Old Trafford on crutches after the Reading game. A dangerous tackle from Andy Carroll could potentially see the Dane out until May. A huge blow for the club.
Ten Hag's decision to play the same line-up with minimal changes has left a few fans frustrated. Why take the unnecessary risk when players can be easily rotated? The players looked fatigued in the second half against Crystal Palace.
Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, Jurgen Klopp and others have frequently complained about the brutal calendar that English sides have to endure. On the contrary, ten Hag has embraced the tight schedule.
"I don't complain (about the schedule). We know, what the fixture schedule is. We have to deal with this. As a club, we have to set squads, and the squads are big enough to deal with it. And I think, players like to play. You can build and construct a good team when you play often. In my perspective when you play often the same, you are getting the routines in," ten Hag said in a press conference after the Reading game.
Getting the routines in
While criticism continues to roll in over risking key players, ten Hag made a valid point pertaining to gameplay.
Over the years, a terrible culture has set in at United and fixing that will take a long time. Loose balls, improper passes and a lack of concentration in defensive situations can still be witnessed in games.
Overall, performances have improved significantly since ten Hag took charge and 'getting the routines in' is a sign of the Dutchman stamping his philosophy.
Maarten Meijer, in his book 'Ten Hag: The Biography' stated that "Erik ten Hag almost always fields the same team, but the players are in a great flow and think they are invincible." Maarten was describing Ajax's dreamy 2018/19 Champions League run under ten Hag which was nothing short of a movie.
However, English football is a different gravy. Being in the hunt in four competitions will exert a lot of pressure on a team that is still in its rebuilding phase. Playing the same eleven can lead to an early burnout and hamper performances if United progress deeper into domestic competitions or even the Europa League.
The Barcelona fixtures will be the toughest of the lot for Manchester United ahead but winning the Europa League could be the ultimate prize for Erik ten Hag and co as a Champions League qualification is a bonus.
