Erik ten Hag spilled the beans on why Jadon Sancho was missed in Manchester United’s clash with Arsenal last Sunday. It turns out it wasn’t a mysterious injury, but his week-long training performance that got him benched.

When the lineup was unveiled at the Emirates, everyone wondered where Jadon Sancho was, assuming he was nursing some undisclosed ailment. But when questioned post-match about this peculiar absence, Erik ten Hag spilled the tea, saying, “Jadon Sancho, based on what he showed in training, didn’t make the cut.”

You see, in the world of Manchester United, you’ve got to bring your A-game to training every day, and tough choices have to be made, especially when it comes to the frontline. Unfortunately for Jadon Sancho, that game just wasn’t meant to be his.

But the absence list didn’t stop there. Scott McTominay was also AWOL from the squad, but it wasn’t about his skills or dedication; he was struck down by illness.

Meanwhile, the center-back scene had its own drama. United had to shuffle the deck, with Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez making way for Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans.

Victor was under the weather and had to step out. As for Licha, he’s nursing a foot issue, but it’s still unclear whether it’s a full-blown injury. We’re playing the waiting game with that one.

Erik ten Hag clarified

The game seemed like a draw in the making for United, but then came the injury-time sucker punches from Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus, and the Red Devils left with empty pockets. Marcus Rashford did find the back of the net for United at the 27-minute mark, but the lead vanished quicker than a hiccup, thanks to Martin Odegaard’s lightning-quick equalizer just 109 seconds later.

Despite the rollercoaster of emotions, Erik ten Hag was all smiles about the performance. “I’m walking away from this with a grin because our performance was top-notch. It wasn’t flawless, mind you, and there’s room for fine-tuning, but when you look at the press, ball movement, and our composure in possession, it was rock solid,” he gushed. “We didn’t serve Arsenal on a platter; we played our game under their pressure.”

He did admit that there is always space for growth, especially at this point in the season, but there was a lot to like.

Sofyan Amrabat will join Manchester United on a loan deal

High praise from Rio Ferdinand for newcomer Sofyan Amrabat