Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag claims Jadon Sancho exile is to protect the ‘culture’ of the club as Dutchman gives cryptic response on winger’s future

Ten Hag suggested that Sancho has not met the demands required to play for United, with the winger's performances not up to the standards of the manager nor the club. The Dutchman added that the winger knows how he can return to the fray - although that possibility appears unlikely - having previously said the England international needs to apologise.

Speaking on Sancho's continued exile, Ten Hag emphasied: "So it is about a culture and every player has to match certain standards and it was about that. What will happen [for Sancho's future?] He knows what he has to do, if he wants to return and it is up to him. He knows what he has to do, it is up to him."

Sancho last appeared for United in their 3-2 defeat of Nottingham Forest on August 26. He was not named in the squad to face Arsenal in the following game and, after his side were defeated 3-2 at the Emirates, posted on social media claiming he had been made a 'scapegoat' by Ten Hag. Since then, the winger has been exiled from the squad - despite United's woeful attacking output this season.

Sancho has played just 76 minutes all season, coming off the bench in United's first three games. His 30-minute cameo against Forest was the longest Sancho had to impress in a game this season.

It appears Sancho's time at Old Trafford has all but run out. The former Dortmund star is expected to depart in January, either on loan or permanently, with a number of clubs vying for the castaway's signature.