Ten Hag delivers blunt response to question about Man Utd star who could be set for ‘surprise exit’

Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford scored as Manchester United defeated Vincent Kompany’s side to go to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Eriksen scored from close range after Aaron Wan-Bissaka put him up, then Rashford struck a magnificent solo goal.

United was rusty at times, and Martin Dubravka was almost caught off guard on many occasions, but their quality proved decisive against their Championship opponents.

Ten Hag lauded his players after the last whistle since they are “eager after the World Cup break”.

“It was challenging to garner the press but we did and we need to take more benefit from that. “There’s still room for growth, but I’m happy with the victory,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports.

“The guys are hungry following the World Cup break, and it was nice to see the first team goal.”

“He was fantastic,” Rashford said of his performance. I believe he was a continuous threat while playing on the backline, and his dribbling and mobility were deadly. He runs a lot. You will eventually reap the benefits.”

“In Argentina, the celebrations are still going on, so we will see,” he said when asked when his fellow World Cup players would return. The Premier League is ready to resume, and we will be as well.”

Then Ten Hag was asked about Sancho. The Englishman did not play against Burnley because he is now training separately from the rest of United’s squad.

Earlier this month, the Dutchman revealed that Sancho’s “fitness and mood” have declined.

This has fueled speculation that he may leave in January. According to Graeme Bailey, a “surprise exit” might see Sancho return to the Bundesliga on loan.

Ten Hag merely said “no” when asked if he had an update on Sancho’s condition at United.

He also spoke bluntly when asked about the United’s ownership following the Glazer family’s decision to sell them.

“No. Don’t bother asking me. I’m all about the group.”

After the final whistle, Rashford also commented. He was fast to return to action for Manchester United after playing for England in Qatar earlier this month.

The attacker emphasized that he is not suffering physically as a result of the World Cup, but that it is “emotionally” difficult for him.

“To be honest it’s more just emotion-wise because obviously it’s such a disappointing feeling to get knocked out, and you have to just try and pick yourself up because there’s no time to feel sorry for yourself when you come back here.

“So it’s just about achieving results, which happily we did today, so now we just have to recuperate and attempt to do the same in the next game.”