Erik ten Hag revealed Jadon Sancho was not fully fit but was available to play for Manchester United against Fulham on Friday night, but he ‘preferred other players’ and left him out of the squad.
The 24-year-old did not even make it onto the bench for the Red Devils in their first game of the Premier League season, which finished 1-0 at Old Trafford.
Summer signing from Bologna Joshua Zirkzee came off the bench to score the only goal of the game in the 87th minute and send United to the top of the table.
Despite returning from his loan spell with Borussia Dortmund, being involved in pre-season and Ten Hag speaking of a mended relationship, Sancho was not involved.
The Dutchman revealed after the match that the England international had been suffering with an ear infection, but was fit enough to be involved and just was not selected.
‘First of all we need squad depth it is a season of survival of the fittest,’ Ten Hag told a post-match press conference. I can only put 20 places.
‘Jadon in the week had an ear infection and wasn’t 100 per cent fit. He could play but we preferred other players. That will change in season when we need to rotate.
‘Sometimes it is frustrating for the player. But every player will get his chance.’
In Sancho’s absence, Ten Hag started Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford on the wings, with Bruno Fernandes filling in up front.
Zirkzee came off the bench, as did Alejandro Garnacho, while Antony was another forward option among the substitutes but wasn’t called upon.
On the Dutchman’s debut goal, Ten Hag said: ‘It was very important to get the first goal as a striker. For him it is very pleasing because strikers have to score. That is the first ability you have to show when you come as a striker to a new club.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE : Erik ten Hag explains Harry Maguire injury status after limping out of Fulham win
MORE : Erik ten Hag has one criticism for his Manchester United side after Fulham win
MORE : Joshua Zirkzee the hero on Manchester United debut in narrow Fulham win
Manchester United news, exclusives and analysis
Share this with