Erik ten Hag explains Jadon Sancho omission from Manchester United squad vs Brighton

Erik ten Hag admits Jadon Sancho needs to compete for his position as he explained the decision to omit the player for Manchester United's game against Brighton in the Premier League.

It's the second time Sancho has been left out of Ten Hag's squad after missing the 1-0 win over Fulham in their first game of the season, due to an ear infection. This time, he travelled to the south coast but has not been selected to take part.

However, it seems that Sancho's long-term future is still in doubt and he has been subject of intense speculation over the last 12 months. The 24-year-old has had interest from Juventus, with United holding talks with the Serie A giants over a sale.

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There is still a possibility for him to depart Old Trafford between now and the end of the summer transfer window, however. When asked about his decision and if it's looking very likely that Sancho would leave the club before the window closes, Ten Hag told TNT Sports: "He's here. I had a choice to make and we had some issues.

"We need a full squad and he is one of them. He has to compete for his position and from game to game, we will have a look. In the squad, we need every position double because it's going to be a long season."

Meanwhile, a recent report from the Athletic has claimed Ten Hag's decision to omit him from the squad to face Fulham, reaffirmed Sancho's desire to leave. United would be open to letting Sancho leave the club either on loan or a permanent deal if a move can be agreed.

The club are thought to have valued him at £40million.

Sky has