Michael Owen tells Manchester United how to resolve ‘pathetic’ Jadon Sancho situation
### Michael Owen’s Advice on Resolving Jadon Sancho’s ‘Petty’ Situation at Manchester United
Michael Owen has weighed in on the ongoing conflict between Jadon Sancho and Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, describing the situation as “petty” and offering a potential solution to mend the rift.
#### Uncertain Future for Sancho
Jadon Sancho’s future at Manchester United remains in limbo. Following a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, where the 24-year-old winger notched three goals and three assists in 21 appearances, there is speculation about whether he will stay at Old Trafford or make a permanent return to the German club. Dortmund, impressed by his performance, especially his 87-minute stint in the Champions League final, are reportedly interested in bringing him back.
Despite some United fans hoping for Sancho’s reintegration into the squad, his fallout with Ten Hag over training comments in September has cast a shadow over his future. The situation escalated when Sancho refused to apologize for a social media post defending himself against Ten Hag’s remarks.
#### Michael Owen’s Perspective
Speaking to Manchester Evening News, former Manchester United striker Michael Owen described the standoff as “petty” and suggested that a third party could help resolve the issue. Owen emphasized the need for maturity and mediation in such conflicts, especially considering the significant investment made in Sancho.
“It will be fascinating to see what happens given Ten Hag is staying,” Owen remarked. “Sancho doesn’t want to apologize for something he feels he doesn’t need to, and the manager is just waiting for an apology. It all sounds a bit petty.”
Owen proposed that a coach or intermediary step in to facilitate a resolution, urging for a pragmatic approach. “You would think that somebody somewhere would just have the maturity to just say, come on,” he said. “And it might be one of the coaches just in preseason training, just going to Sancho and saying, listen, the manager’s blah, blah, blah, you just go and knock on the door.”
#### Current Situation and Next Steps
The situation is compounded by the news that Ten Hag will remain as Manchester United’s manager. Sancho’s reluctance to apologize is reportedly due to his belief that doing so would imply an admission of guilt, a stance supported by exiting United attacking coach Benni McCarthy.
As the transfer window looms, the likelihood of Sancho exiting the club grows, especially if the impasse with Ten Hag continues. United’s transfer plans are ramping up, and the resolution of Sancho’s situation will be crucial in shaping the squad for the upcoming season.
#### Conclusion
Michael Owen’s call for mediation underscores the need for a practical solution to the conflict between Sancho and Ten Hag. By involving a neutral party to bridge the communication gap, Manchester United can potentially salvage their relationship with the talented winger and refocus on their goals for the next season. The club’s management and fans alike are keen to see how this situation unfolds, hoping for a resolution that benefits all parties involved.
