eric ten haag hoping for even better jadon sancho Assisted after the forward’s first goal since September Manchester United recover 2-0 down to draw with Leeds at Old Trafford.
Leeds scored early in either half, first through Wilfred Gnoto in just 55 seconds, then a Raphael Varane own goal three minutes into the second period Premier League Clash.
But after Ten Haag sent on Sancho and Facundo Pellistri just before the hour to change the shape of their attack, it brought immediate dividends.
First Pellistri played his part in a move finished by Marcus Rashford – moved to the center in the shuffle – before Sancho made it 2-2.
It was Sancho’s first goal since their Europa League win over Sheriff Tiraspol on 15 September, but the 22-year-old has been out of the first-team picture as a slump in form has cost him a World Cup spot. And only returned last week for his first appearance since October.
“I’m really happy that he is in the right direction,” Ten Haag said. “I hope he can keep this momentum going and I am sure it will strengthen him and motivate him to do even more.
“As you can see he is a fantastic footballer and if he can invest at the right levels he can excel.
“I think we have a team now that can dictate a game, play more in the opponent’s half. He likes it, he can play in tight spaces, he can make a difference. The second target shows this.
After Gareth Southgate was left out of the England squad, Sancho spent time training alone in the Netherlands in December and then slowly reintegrated after returning to Manchester just before the start of the year.
Ten Haag now hopes that any such issues are in the past.
“It is in his own hands and so he can do it if he wants to,” he said. “This team, it is great to play in, it gives you joy. I really enjoyed watching him play the way he played with so much confidence, the way he did it with so much confidence.
Sancho’s goal brought relief at Old Trafford as United faced the prospect of their first home defeat at their old rivals since 1981.
But it was still two points dropped for Champions League-chasing United as Leeds arrived in Manchester without a manager after Jesse Marsh was sacked.
“Mixed feelings,” Ten Haag said. “If you are 2-0 down, you have to be disappointed… If you start every half-way, that is unacceptable.
“You scored two goals, it’s really disappointing and unacceptable, but I have to compliment the team, the way they are resilient, they fight back, create chances and finish. We scored two really good goals.” “
The sides will meet again in the reverse fixture at Elland Road on Sunday, but it remains to be seen whether caretaker manager Michael Skubala will still be in charge.
Leeds’ managerial search has already taken longer than chairman Andrea Radrizzani indicated.
But for now the regular Under-21 boss can look forward to a strong performance at Old Trafford.
He said, ‘I am really proud of the players. “I thought he did really well.
“For context, (Man United) have not lost in 13 in all competitions (at home). I am a bit disappointed because I thought we did enough to win the game but it was really good.
“Without giving too much because we’ve got another game against them on Sunday, (the plan was) not to be passive, be aggressive, get free and attack them.
“The most rewarding part is how we saw the game in the last moments. In the end we had to dig deep and show personality to get the point.