Erik Ten Hag looking at using Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho as Manchester United strikers - ‘Definitely an option’
By James Hilsum
Published 04/08/2024 at 11:49 GMT+1
Jadon Sancho appears to be firmly back in Erik ten Hag's plans after a well-publicised clash between the pair midway through last season. Sancho is now in contention to re-establish himself in the Manchester United team, possibly in a new position. With Rasmus Hojlund struggling with a hamstring problem, Ten Hag will look to the likes of Sancho and captain Bruno Fernandes to fill the void up top.
'We have to catch up' – Ten Hag admits lack of squad depth
Video credit: SNTV
Erik ten Hag is looking at creative ways to evolve Manchester United’s attacking options by deploying Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho as strikers.
Sancho is back in the Dutchman’s plans after appearing to bury the hatchet following positive talks with United manager.
The 24-year-old experienced a renaissance during a loan spell with Borussia Dortmund in the second half of last season, making 24 appearances and helping the Bundesliga side reach the UEFA Champions League final.
It is a timely boost to United’s selection issues up front, with Rasmus Hojlund set to miss the start of the Premier League season with a hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee is still adapting to life at Old Trafford, and Ten Hag stressed it is unwise to place too much early expectation on the £34 million arrival from Bologna.
“That is what we can do if we don’t have the availability of Rasmus,” said Ten Hag in quotes published by The Athletic.
“Of course, Joshua Zirkzee is coming in. He has started training. But he is not so long in training so it will take time and he has to adjust to English football and our way of playing.
“Jadon can of course play as a striker. He can also play in wide areas but it could be he is a good option.”
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Mourinho: Sancho ‘made mistakes’ at Man Utd but ‘his manager wasn't able to get the best out of him’
Video credit: TNT Sports
Marcus Rashford is another option for Ten Hag, but the 26-year-old has a point to prove after a poor previous campaign which yielded only eight goals across 43 appearances in all competitions.
United skipper Fernandes has been most deployed as an attacking midfielder, but was utilised in the centre-forward role in last season's FA Cup final win over Manchester City, and in the 3-2 victory against Newcastle United at Old Trafford.
“I think Marcus has done it before, he can do it and it is definitely an option,” Ten Hag said.
“But I think he is more productive from the left inside, when he is coming inside, so when he can arrive there he is most effective.
“But we also have Bruno Fernandes as a striker as well.”
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United kick-off the season against Fulham at Old Trafford on August 16, looking to shrug off a largely disappointing campaign that yielded their lowest Premier League finish - eighth.
This was mitigated by that surprise FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, securing a backdoor passage into the UEFA Europa League for next season.
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