Erik ten Hag paid tribute to Jadon Sancho after the Manchester United star scored on an emotional night at Old Trafford to earn a draw with Leeds.
United trailed by two goals against a Leeds team, led by caretaker boss Michael Skubala, who looked on course to win away at their old rivals in the league for the first time in 42 years.
But Marcus Rashford pulled a goal back for United just after the hour mark before Sancho came on for only his second appearance since taking time out to address his physical and mental health and scored the equaliser.
‘He’s all the way back,’ said Ten Hag. ‘I’m proud he did it. I’m backing him, the coaches are backing him, the team is backing but he has to do it by himself.
‘It’s in his own hands. If he wants, he can do it. I’m really enjoying seeing him playing the way he did with so much confidence and belief.
Erik ten Hag paid tribute to Jadon Sancho after the Manchester United star rescued a point
The 22-year-old scored scored in the 70th minute of the game to secure a draw for United
The Man United manager said he was ‘proud’ of Sancho and insisted he was backing him
‘We know he’s a magnificent player. I think consistently he can have a big impact, but he has to work hard. It will motivate him to get more. I really enjoyed it, especially for him – it will strengthen him.’
United were caught cold at the start of both halves as Wilfried Gnonto struck inside the first minute and Raphael Varane scored an own-goal.
Ten Hag rang the changes by sending on Sancho and Facundo Pellsitri, and playing Rashford through the middle.
‘I wanted a different dynamic,’ he added. ‘In that moment we weren’t in the game. Luckily it succeeded because we scored two goals.
‘It was a very bad start. Especially in a derby, you have to be ready to battle and take responsibility. We didn’t do that.
‘If you start each half the way we did, it’s unacceptable. I’m disappointed we lost all the battles inside the first minute in each half.
‘But I have to compliment the team. They are resilient and they fought back to score two really good goals.’
The two clubs meet again at Elland Road on Sunday, and Skubala was unsure whether he will still be in charge as Leeds continue to seek a permanent replacement for Jesse Marsch.
‘I’ve been really busy just looking after this job for the last few days,’ said Skubala. ‘That’s up to other people to decide but it’s a great opportunity for the players and the staff. If I’m called upon then I just want to help the club in the best way I can.
‘This is a tough place to get a point and I’m really proud. It’s always tricky playing a team back to back so I need to go away and assess.’
source: dailymail.co.uk
