Jadon Sancho returned to training with Manchester United’s first team on Tuesday ahead of their trip to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League. The 22-year-old hasn’t played for United since he was substituted in the 1-1 draw at Chelsea on October 22 and was last pictured in training on the final day of that month.
It emerged in November that Sancho had taken a break from social media, and he then travelled to the Netherlands for a curated programme.
Sancho first returned to United's training complex two weeks ago to train individually while participating in small group sessions with other players not involved in squad training, but it is now understood that he has been integrated back into full first-team training.
Read next: Ten Hag explains why Shaw played at centre back for United vs Man City
Ten Hag confirmed to journalists last month that Sancho was absent from the training squad in Spain as he was not fit enough to participate, and there was also a mental aspect to consider.
Speaking two weeks ago, the United manager provided an update on the English forward and insisted he had seen progress in the player since he returned.
"I would like to have Jadon back as soon as possible," Ten Hag said. "But also in this, I can't force this process and so I will do everything that's in my power but some processes you can't force and this is one of them.
"So I have also to show patience, although I don't have the patience because yeah, you are right, we have a lack of opportunities in the frontline, players who are available and capable to contribute in the Premier League, not only the Premier League but the highest standard of top football.
"And Jadon is one – when he is fit – he will contribute and then we have an extra option and so we will have more chance of winning a lot of games."
"We have some hurdles to take but I think he's in a good direction. And what I say I can't force this process and so I don't do [it]. But I would be really happy when he returns to the squad for team training, so that will be the next step.
"In this moment he is not fit enough, no. I said, physical. But physical is also the connection with mental. But I think he is now making good progress on the physical part and that will help him. I hope he can return quickly but I can't say a duration of how long it will be.
"He was in the Netherlands but also the process could have been in England as well. But the good thing is he is back in Carrington and that shows he is making progress and he is ready for the next step.
"I think many top athletes, in football and also in other sports, sometimes it’s good to go away from the place where you are at daily to get a new vibe and a new experience. People have a different approach and this can give you the right push to get back on track.
"Football players aren’t robots. No one is the same. I think for everyone, you need an individual approach. We thought that, in cooperation with Jadon, it was the best choice."
READ MORE:
