Jadon Sancho Training ‘Not Consistent’, Says McCarthy

Jadon Sancho training was called into question by former Manchester United first-team coach Benni McCarthy, who has revealed why the England winger struggled to convince Erik ten Hag before his headline-grabbing fallout and subsequent loan to Chelsea.

Why Jadon Sancho Training Came Under Scrutiny

Speaking on South African radio, McCarthy explained that Sancho possessed the technical quality United expected but failed to show the “no days off” mentality Ten Hag demanded. “Some mornings he’d be electric, but other days the intensity dipped,” McCarthy said. “At Manchester United you must deliver that level every single session because the manager picks his XI based on what he sees Monday to Friday.”

The ‘No Days Off’ Standard Under Ten Hag

Ten Hag’s approach relies heavily on high-energy pressing and off-ball movement. Coaches use GPS vests to monitor sprint distances, repeat high-intensity runs, and recovery times. According to McCarthy, Jadon Sancho training stats too often fell short of Marcus Rashford or Alejandro Garnacho, both of whom topped United’s internal metrics. As a result, Sancho rotated in and out of the line-up, eroding confidence and sparking tension behind the scenes.

Timeline of the Erik ten Hag Fallout

The situation turned toxic in September 2023 after the Dutch boss publicly questioned Sancho’s commitment following a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal. Sancho responded with a social-media post insisting he was being made a scapegoat. Ten Hag demanded an apology; the winger refused, was exiled from first-team facilities, and forced to train with academy prospects. The stand-off lasted four months, ending only when Sancho accepted a January move away.

How the Chelsea Loan Materialised

United initially preferred a permanent sale to Saudi Arabia or Borussia Dortmund. Chelsea, however, needed wide depth after Christopher Nkunku’s injury and negotiated an £8 million loan fee, covering 80 percent of wages. Mauricio Pochettino felt he could reignite Sancho’s career, pointing to improved discipline under Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo as examples of the culture he wanted to build. The deal contained no obligation to buy, leaving United the option to reintegrate the winger next summer if relations thaw.

Sancho’s Progress at Stamford Bridge

Early indications suggest that Jadon Sancho training levels in west London have climbed. Club insiders note the 24-year-old arrives 45 minutes before the official start time and stays behind for extra finishing drills with assistant Jesús Pérez. Pochettino has already used him in Premier League and FA Cup matches, praising his “bravery on the ball” and hinting at a permanent switch should form continue.

Benni McCarthy’s Role and Perspective

McCarthy joined United in July 2022 to sharpen attacking patterns. He worked closely with Sancho on positioning, first touch, and shooting accuracy. “Technically, he’s a joke,” McCarthy admitted. “But at United you’re competing against Rashy, Garnacho, Antony, Bruno drifting wide—you can’t afford an off day. That’s why I kept harping on about consistency.” McCarthy left the club after the 2023-24 pre-season shake-up but remains in regular contact with several players.

Wider Implications for Manchester United

Sancho’s exile highlighted deeper issues at Old Trafford: fractured communication, player power versus managerial authority, and the difficulty of nurturing young talents under relentless media glare. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group, now controlling football operations, plans to impose stricter performance clauses and clearer escalation routes for disputes so future conflicts do not spill onto social media.

What Happens Next for Sancho?

A strong finish at Chelsea could see the Blues push for an affordable permanent fee, especially if United need funds for summer targets like João Neves or Michael Olise. Yet Ten Hag has never closed the door entirely, privately acknowledging that a fully focused Sancho remains one of the best one-v-one specialists in Europe. Much may hinge on whether relations can be repaired during pre-season in the United States.

Opinion: A Lesson in Modern Elite Standards

The saga underlines how marginal gains separate starters from substitutes at the highest level. Natural flair alone is no longer enough; GPS trackers and data dashboards expose every lapse. Jadon Sancho’s story should serve as a wake-up call for other prodigies: talent buys time, but relentless application earns trust. If his improved spell at Chelsea proves anything, it is that consistency, not YouTube highlights, defines careers.