Erik ten Hag might be about to confirm his Manchester United plan for Jadon Sancho

It looked like a dream scenario for Jadon Sancho heading into the weekend, but it quickly became somewhat of a nightmare after another underwhelming performance.

Erik ten Hag had looked to freshen up his Manchester United side for the visit of bottom-placed Southampton, with an emphasis on his side's attacking threat against a team with a knack for conceding goals.

The industrious Fred was dropped in favour of Sancho as part of a tactical rethink, and from the off, it looked like United were not only setting up to win but to do so in style.

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But instead of posing a greater threat in front of goal, it ended up making United even blunter as their makeshift midfield struggled to control the game and carve out many meaningful opportunities.

Sancho was by no means the only player who failed to live up to the billing, though rather than take his golden opportunity to impress, he wasted it. The issue for him is that his best position appears to be on the bench right now, with his performances far superior when he is introduced into matches compared to when he has started.

The 22-year-old has the versatility to play anywhere across the front line, and while that makes him a valuable asset to the squad, it also presents the problem that he has not nailed down a regular role since his return. Sancho was signed as United's long-term solution to their right-wing problems but has played his best football on the left and started most recently through the middle.

He's going through an identity crisis right now, and while he has plenty of time on his side, it seems critical that he start playing regularly in one position to help improve his rhythm and momentum.

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