Erik ten Hag was delighted to see Jadon Sancho score for Manchester United on Wednesday, but warned the player, he has to continue to work hard to keep getting chances in the first team.
United bounced back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against Leeds, which is a disappointing result, but at least feels positive as it looked like a defeat was coming.
Sancho came off the bench to score the equaliser, his first goal for the Red Devils since September as he has found himself out of the side, and even out of match day squads.
The England star has been working away from the first team to build his fitness and Ten Hag claims he is now ready to contribute regularly.
The Dutchman is pleased for the winger, but warns him that he must continue to work hard or risk another setback.
‘I wanted a different dynamic. In that moment we weren’t in the game,’ Ten Hag said on bringing Sancho on just before the hour mark. ‘Luckily it succeeded because we scored two goals.
‘Very happy. He’s all the way back. We know he’s a magnificent player. I think consistently he can have a big impact. But he has to work hard. It will motivate him to get more. I really enjoyed it, especially for him. It will strengthen him.
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‘If you play a derby you need a different attitude. You have to start and be ready and take responsibility, win your battles and be composed on the ball.’
He added to the BBC: ‘I’m very happy for him. Of course also for the team because it’s all about that. But it will encourage him and motivate him further.
‘He is in the right direction and if he keeps going with that process he can do even more to really help us to achieve our goals.’
Wilfried Gnonto opened the scoring for Leeds United within a minute and a Varane own goal made it 2-0 to the club.
But, the in-form Marcus Rashford pulled one back for United before Sancho rescued a point for the club.