Erik ten Hag sends message to 'fantastic' Jadon Sancho after Borussia Dortmund dump Atletico Madrid out of Champions League but Man Utd boss reveals 'issues' remain regarding forward's Old Trafford future

Sancho played a crucial role in Dortmund's success, starting both legs of the Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid, contributing to their 5-4 aggregate victory. Despite the winger's impressive displays during the loan spell at Dortmund, his feud with Ten Hag continues to shimmer, which is proving to be an obstacle to alter his prospects at United.

While acknowledging Sancho's excellence, Ten Hag highlighted that the winger's talent wasn't doubted at all by him. Instead, he showered praise on Sancho for reviving his career in Germany but underlined that talent alone doesn't resolve the problems which forced him to go out on loan from Manchester United.

Speaking to reporters, Ten Hag said: "Of course, I follow international football and follow the players on loan at other clubs. It was a fantastic game, Dortmund against Atletico Madrid. A great performance from Dortmund and also for Jadon it's good news. He made his contribution to the result for Dortmund."

However, when asked if anything had changed about Sancho's future at Old Trafford, Ten Hag did not mince words and said: "No, but we know Jadon Sancho is a fantastic football player, so that is not a surprise for us. That is not the issue."

The loan stint in Germany has been fruitful for Sancho, but at the same time, it has further complicated Manchester United's ambitions of securing a Champions League spot for the next season. With England, Italy, and Germany vying for an additional slot based on UEFA's country coefficient, Dortmund's progress has favoured Germany in their quest for a fifth Champions League spot in an expanded version of the competition from the next season. This means England will continue to have four spots, which is a major dent in United's Champions League hopes.

As Dortmund prepares to face PSG in the Champions League semi-finals, Manchester United have their focus on the FA Cup. Their upcoming clash against Coventry City presents an opportunity to secure a spot in the cup final and salvage their season with silverware.