Erik ten Hag backs match-winner Sancho to carry on scoring for Manchester United

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes Jadon Sancho can continue to add goals to his game after the winger's strike against Leicester City proved decisive on Thursday.

Two defeats to start the new Premier League season left United bottom of the table but they have since enjoyed an upwards trajectory with wins over Liverpool, Southampton and now Leicester.

Sancho scored a fine effort in the victory against Liverpool and added a cool first-half goal in Thursday’s 1-0 win over the Foxes, with Ten Hag hopeful more are to come after the forward’s difficult first season at United.

“I think he had quite a good pre-season,” the Dutchman said. “He understands now he has to invest in the physical [side] and that is what he did. Now he gets the reward and that is what he has to bring.

“I’m sure this is just the start for him. With his potential, there’s much more room for improvement.

“Then he can be even more important and contribute with his creativity, with scoring goals and assists, and also with the defending part he can be even more important.”

Asked if he believes Sancho can become a prolific goalscorer, Ten Hag said: “Yes, I think he can.

“He has the capabilities and he did it also in a different league, but this is the Premier League.

“The intensity is higher so he has to adapt to that, mentally, the physical [side]. The capabilities are there, the skills.”

Ten Hag named an unchanged side for a third straight match, meaning Cristiano Ronaldo started from the bench on a night when the transfer deadline passed without a much-discussed exit coming to pass.

Antony completed his big-money switch from Ajax on Thursday and the Brazil international will be pushing to be involved in Sunday’s clash against table-topping