Man United boss Erik ten Hag tells Jadon Sancho to show 'much more improvement'

Erik ten Hag has challenged Jadon Sancho to show “much more improvement” as the Manchester United boss revealed he has “specific” plans for the fit striker during the upcoming international break.

Sancho has made a promising start to the season under Ten Hag, scoring his third goal of the campaign in United’s 2-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League on Thursday.

But the 22-year-old’s form has not been enough to earn him a memory in Gareth Southgate’s England squad, with his omission causing surprise throughout the game.

Jadon Sancho continued his strong start to the season by scoring in the win over FC Sheriff

Erik ten Hag believes Sancho has the potential to show ‘a lot more improvement’ at United

Speaking after the win in Moldova, Ten Hag said Sancho could improve further and believes the international break will be beneficial for the winger after his snub in England.

United’s game against Sheriff was their last until the Manchester derby on October 2 after their home clash with Leeds, scheduled for this weekend, was postponed.

‘I am very satisfied [for Jadon Sancho]’ said the Dutchman. ‘Another goal… he’s doing well, but I think there’s a lot more room for improvement for him, because he has a lot of skills.

‘We are going to complete the period very well. We can go specific. That can be beneficial to continue the season.

‘We know that after this break, every three days there will be a match.’

Jadon Sancho dedicated his goal against Sheriff Tiraspol to a young fan who presented him with a special pair of personalized shin guards

Sancho joined United from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth £73m last summer.

He endured a mixed debut campaign for the club in a season in which they finished with their lowest points tally in the Premier League and failed to qualify for the Champions League.

But the English winger has been one of the standout players in the early stages of this season, scoring a well-executed goal in a 2-1 win over Liverpool and the winner against Leicester before scoring in Moldova on Thursday.

Sancho has refused to give up a place in England’s World Cup squad despite his absence from the last squad before the Qatar tournament.

Sancho has refused to give up on securing a place in England’s World Cup squad

“Yes, 100 percent, that’s one of the goals,” he said.

“It’s unfortunate that they don’t call me, but I have to keep focusing on myself and keep working hard, week after week, that’s what I will do.”

Sancho also spoke about the reasons for holding his shin guard after his goal against Sheriff.

“Yes, a little boy gave me some shin guards and asked me to wear them,” he said.

“I said ‘Yeah, no problem’ and that was a small gesture from me when I scored, showing him that I was wearing the shin guards he gave me.”