Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag comments on Jadon Sancho missing penalty in Community Shield defeat against Manchester City
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag backed Jadon Sancho after the Englishman missed a penalty during their shoot-out against Manchester City in the Community Shield clash on Saturday, August 10. The game ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation time and the Cityzens secured a 7-6 win in the penalty shoot-out.
Talking about Sancho's miss, Ten Hag stated that the forward is a good penalty taker and was unfortunate to miss against City.
"He is a very good penalty taker but today he missed. It's part of the game," the Dutchman said (via UtdDistrict on X).
As per journalist Laurie Whitwell, Ten Hag also confirmed that he has no reservations about allowing Sancho to step forward and take more spot-kicks in the future.
"I had and I have no doubts to let him score a penalty. In the future he will take penalties," Ten Hag said.
Alejandro Garnacho scored the first goal of the night at Wembley Stadium in the 82nd minute, giving the Red Devils the lead. However, Bernardo Silva equalized in 89th minute with a well-taken header.
After a 1-1 draw at full-time, Silva missed his spot-kick to give the Red Devils an advantage. However, Sancho and Jonny Evans missed their penalties as Pep Guardiola's side secured a 7-6 win.
The spot-kick was Jadon Sancho's first since the Euro 2020 final, when he missed from the spot against Italy as England lost the title clash. After a loan spell at his former club Borussia Dortmund, Sancho is back at the Old Trafford for the 2024-25 season.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes reached out to Jadon Sancho after he missed penalty in Community Shield clash
According to journalist Carl Anka, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes reached out to Jadon Sancho after he missed from the spot during the FA Community Shield penalty shoot-out.
Fernandes was reportedly the first to head to him and comfort him despite his miss, noted Anka.
"Jadon Sancho missing a penalty at Wembley once again. Bruno Fernandes first of his teammates to talk to him and offer comfort," The Athletic FC journalist wrote on X.
Before Garnacho opened the scoring for the Red Devils, Bruno Fernandes' curler from outside the box was ruled out due to offside. However, the captain remained composed and was the first one to convert from the spot during the shoot-out.
Sancho will be hoping to impress Erik ten Hag with his performances this season. After a falling out with the Dutchman last season, Sancho was sent on loan to Borussia Dortmund for the second half of the campaign. However, he played a key role for Manchester United during their pre-season games as Ten Hag and Sancho seemed to have resolved their differences.