Ten Hag’s Silence Speaks Volumes as Sancho’s Penalty Miss Adds to Man Utd Woes
Manchester United’s Community Shield defeat to Manchester City will be one to forget for the Red Devils. A penalty shootout defeat is always tough to take, and Jadon Sancho’s miss will undoubtedly be a talking point for some time to come.
In his first competitive game back at Old Trafford, Sancho looked sharp at times, but his penalty miss will sting. The English winger’s return to the fold has been welcomed by fans, and his performances in pre-season had raised expectations. However, it’s fair to say that this miss will bring some of those doubts flooding back.
Erik ten Hag’s response to Sancho’s miss was telling. The Dutchman’s understated tone seemed to suggest that he’s moved on from the incident, and is focused on the bigger picture. When asked about Sancho’s penalty-taking abilities, Ten Hag said, "Yes, he’s a very good penalty taker, and today he missed. This is part of the game."
On the surface, Ten Hag’s words might seem conciliatory, but they also mask a deeper concern. The fact that United’s penalty-takers have struggled in recent times is a worrying trend. This season’s Community Shield defeat marks the fifth time in the last seven competitions that United have lost on penalties.
The Red Devils’ next challenge is a Premier League encounter with Fulham on Friday. Ten Hag will be hoping to use this fixture to get his team back on track and send out a statement to the rest of the league. The introduction of two new signings, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, could provide the boost United need to kickstart their season.
As we look ahead to the new campaign, one thing is clear: United can’t afford many more slip-ups if they’re to mount a serious title challenge. With City, Liverpool, and Chelsea all looking strong, the pressure is on Ten Hag’s team to deliver.
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