Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag is hopeful that Jadon Sancho can "have a huge contribution" for the Red Devils in the final months of the 2022-23 campaign.
The 22-year-old featured for Man United for the first time since the end of October on Wednesday evening, as he came off the bench in his side's 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final.
Sancho has been missing for fitness reasons, with the attacker placed on an individual training programme during the 2022 World Cup.
The forward has been back in training in recent weeks, and he returned to the field on Wednesday, as the Red Devils booked their spot in the final of the EFL Cup.
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Ten Hag has hinted at a new role for Sancho, with the Dutchman potentially using the attacker as a number 10 on a regular basis.
Christian Eriksen will be out until the end of April with an ankle injury, which could open up a spot in the starting side for Sancho, who has scored three times and registered one assist in 15 appearances for the 20-time English champions this season.
"I thought it was great, the fans they gave him love and I think he enjoyed it. He enjoyed it, to be back on the pitch," Ten Hag told Sky Sports News.
"I've seen in the last couple of weeks at Carrington smiling and I hope he can keep the process going and have a huge contribution to the season.
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"With Jadon, I know he can play as a number 10 as well, he can play as a winger, he can play as a number 10. But I think we mix it around often and that is what I like.
"But the position has to be occupied, it is about that. And players have to keep the discipline to do that, otherwise it is going to be a mess."
Sancho has not played in the Premier League since the 1-1 draw with Chelsea on October 22, but he will be in contention to make the squad against Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.
The forward has largely struggled to show his best form for the Red Devils since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in July 2021, contributing only eight goals and four assists in 53 appearances in all competitions.
Matt Law
