"Played his way into the team" - Erik ten Hag urged to start 'sharp' Manchester United star in EFL Cup final after win against Leicester
Tottenham Hotspur legend Robbie Keane has advised Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag to start Jadon Sancho in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United next Sunday (February 26). The English winger stepped off the bench and scored in the Red Devils' 3-0 Premier League win over Leicester City on Sunday (February 19).
However, the Old Trafford outfit's focus will be on cup competitions in the upcoming week. They face Barcelona at home in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League knockout playoff on Thursday (February 23).
The Red Devils then make a trip to the Wembley to face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final, looking to win their first trophy since 2017. Ten Hag is tasked with picking a starting lineup he believes can come out triumphant over Eddie Howe's high-flying Magpies.
Keane has urged Ten Hag to start Sancho at Wembley, considering his performance in the side's win over Leicester. He told Sky Sports:
"It was very good from the manager bringing Jadon Sancho on. I thought he played great. I think it was Sancho that changed the game actually. His introduction certainly helped Man United."
The former Spurs striker added:
"He brought a different dynamic to the game. He looks back to himself, and he looks sharp. He played his way into the team for next week’s final with that performance."
Big team performance! Happy to get on the scoresheet, but the focus switches to the big week ahead. 🔴 https://t.co/vxOChwkSDP
Manchester United struggled in the first half of their win despite holding a 1-0 lead at half-time. Sancho was introduced after the break, and Ten Hag's side reaped the rewards.
The winger grabbed his team's third goal in excellent fashion. He linked up with Bruno Fernandes with a neat one-two before firing past Foxes goalkeeper Danny Ward in the 61st minute.
Sancho was left out of the United team for three months as he underwent individual training in the Netherlands. He has now come back refreshed, scoring twice in four games across competitions.
Manchester United boss Ten Hag insists his players aren't thinking about title race
The whispers regarding Manchester United potentially being title contenders are getting louder.
As is the noise from fans at Old Trafford, as the Red Devils continue to impress under Ten Hag. Their victory over Leicester has put them within five points of leaders Arsenal and three behind second-placed Manchester City.
Ten Hag isn't listening to the noise, though. He stresses that his players are not pondering their title credentials. He told Sky Sports that his side are concentrating on their next game against Barcelona in midweek:
"We don't think about the title race. We think about the next game; Thursday is going to be a big game for us. We have to fight; our fans (have) to make Old Trafford a fortress, and the game plan has to be right."
Erik ten Hag crediting Old Trafford for the team’s incredible display today. What a man! 👏 https://t.co/AyZgQf7Ggb
Manchester United's next league game is at Anfield against Liverpool on March 5. If they beat Jurgen Klopp's men, the title talk may intensify further.