How Man United could line up against Leeds as Sancho looks to earn starting berth
Scoring the equalising goal off the bench in Wednesday’s draw with the Whites counted as the latest step in the winger’s comeback from a long-running fitness issue.
“I think it’s in his own hands,” Ten Hag said. “So if he wants, he can do – and this team is great to play in.
“It will give you joy but I really enjoy seeing him play the way he did with so much confidence, with so much belief, really direct. It was great to see him play in this attack.
“It’s clear it’s a difficult period that he finds himself out of. I’m pleased and I’m proud he did it. So I will back him, the coaches will back him, the team is backing him and supporting him in this process and finally he has to do it by himself.”
Sancho could replace Alejandro Garnacho to line up on the left flank or Wout Weghorst may drop out, bringing Sancho in wide on the right and moving Marcus Rashford up front.
Antony is a doubt for the Yorkshire trip having missed the midweek draw with a leg injury, the recovery time of which Ten Hag has not specified.
Christian Eriksen (ankle) is certain to miss out along with Donny van de Beek (knee), Anthony Martial (hip) and Scott McTominay.
Diogo Dalot made a timely return to the XI in the first game against Leeds as he overcame a hamstring injury to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is suffering from illness.
Predicted Manchester United XI: De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Fred, Sabitzer; Sancho, Fernandes, Garnacho; Rashford.