'GIVING JADON A BREAK WAS NOT A GAMBLE'

United chief Ten Hag insists it wasnt a risk to allow star time ap to deal with physical and mental issues’

- By TYRONE MARSHALL

ERIK ten Hag insists his decision to grant Jadon Sancho some time away from United this season wasn't a risk.

The Reds boss allowed Sancho time away to sort out 'physical and mental' issues, including a spell working with coaches familiar to Ten Hag in the Netherlands.

Sancho has returned to action in fine form, scoring as a substitute against Leeds on Wednesday, and it's been noticeable he has been playing with a smile on his face.

Ten Hag has been widely praised for his man management of Sancho, but the decision did leave him short of attacking options. The winger missed United's training camp in Spain in December and was then absent from the squad for the first 11 matches after the season resumed after the World Cup.