The cracks at Manchester United are widening as Erik ten Hag's disciplinary stand-off with Jadon Sancho threatens to derail the club's season before it's properly begun.
The Point of No Return
Sancho finds himself in footballing exile, completely frozen out of first-team activities after his very public falling out with the Dutch manager. The £73 million winger has been banished from all senior training sessions and even prohibited from using the first-team dining facilities at Carrington.
"He's training alone, eating alone - it's like he doesn't exist at the club anymore," revealed a source close to the situation.
What Sparked the Meltdown?
The crisis erupted after United's disappointing 3-1 defeat to Arsenal, when Ten Hag claimed Sancho had been omitted from the squad due to poor training performances. Sancho fired back on social media, calling himself a "scapegoat" and directly challenging his manager's version of events.
Despite being given multiple opportunities to apologise, the 23-year-old has refused to back down, leaving Ten Hag with little choice but to make an example of him.
Dressing Room Divided
The situation has created an uneasy atmosphere in the United camp, with players reportedly taking sides. While senior figures like Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford are understood to support Ten Hag's disciplinary approach, there's sympathy for Sancho among some squad members.
The stand-off raises serious questions about:
- Sancho's long-term future at Old Trafford
- Ten Hag's man-management style with big personalities
- United's ability to challenge for top honours with internal conflicts
- The club's transfer strategy after another expensive signing fails to deliver
January Exit Looms
With relations seemingly beyond repair, a January departure appears increasingly likely. Saudi Arabian clubs are monitoring the situation, though Sancho may prefer a return to Borussia Dortmund where he previously flourished.
For Ten Hag, this represents a crucial test of his authority as he attempts to rebuild United into genuine title contenders. How this saga concludes could define both his tenure and Sancho's career trajectory.
