Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has insisted that it was "the right decision" for Jadon Sancho to take a break away from the team.
The attacker was left out of the England squad for the 2022 World Cup, and he spent time during the tournament over in the Netherlands working with coaches on his fitness.
Sancho has recently been back involved for the Red Devils, with his appearance against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup on February 1 proving to be his first outing for the club since the end of October.
The 22-year-old was an unused substitute against Crystal Palace last weekend, but he featured off the bench against Leeds United on Wednesday, scoring Man United's equaliser in the 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.
An official reason for Sancho's lengthy absence has not been provided, but Ten Hag said that the former Manchester City youngster "worked hard on himself" during his time away from the spotlight.
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"He's growing. He's definitely in a better place than two or three months ago," Ten Hag told Sky Sports News. "When he was away from the team, I think it was the right decision from him to do it.
"He worked hard on himself and now he is back. Now he has to find himself back in the team. That has to go step-by-step, now he's coming from the bench, so I hope he can make the next steps."
Sancho will now be bidding to be involved against Leeds on Sunday, with the Red Devils facing the Whites for the second time in quick succession, this time at Elland Road.
The forward has scored four goals and registered one assist in 16 appearances for the 20-time English champions during the 2022-23 campaign.
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Ten Hag was full of praise for Sancho for his contribution off the bench against Leeds last time out.
"I am very happy for him. Of course, also for the team because it is all about that. But I am happy for him, it will encourage him and will motivate him further on. He is in the right direction," Ten Hag told reporters.
"If he keeps going in this process, works hard, he can do even more and he can really help us achieve our goals. Everyone is happy for him.
"We need him, he can contribute, he can create. I think this team is much better than in his first season, we can play in the opponents' half, dictate the game and create chances."
Sancho moved to Man United from Borussia Dortmund in July 2021, and he has represented the club on 54 occasions in all competitions, contributing nine goals and four assists in the process.
Matt Law
