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Erik ten Hag demands public apology from suspended Jadon Sancho

Jadon Sancho is risking his Manchester United career if he refuses to apologise following his public row with manager Erik ten Hag, sources have told ESPN.

Sancho has been ordered to train alone after accusing Ten Hag of lying about the reasons he was dropped for the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal before the international break.

The pair have held talks at Carrington this week but Sancho has refused to say sorry and, until he does, there is no timeframe for his return to the first-team squad.

Sources have told ESPN that Ten Hag will not back down over his demand for an apology — both in private and with a public statement — and if Sancho refuses, it is likely to mean he will leave the club when the transfer window reopens in January.

A brief statement issued by United on Thursday read: “Jadon Sancho will remain on a personal training programme away from the first team group pending resolution of a squad discipline issue.”

Jadon Sancho has played just 76 minutes in the Premier League so far this season. Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
Sancho is not the first United player asked to apologise to Ten Hag.

When Cristiano Ronaldo was suspended for a game last season after refusing to come on as a substitute in a 2-0 win over Tottenham in October, he was only reintegrated into the squad after showing regret for his actions, which included a statement posted on social media.

Sancho has deleted the social media post in which he accused Ten Hag of making him a “scapegoat for a long time” but has not apologised for the outburst.

A source has told ESPN that part of Sancho’s issue is that he feels he has been treated differently to other members of the squad, coupled with a frustration that the club were willing to listen to offers for him in the final week of the transfer window. Late interest from Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq came to nothing.

Sancho’s future is complicated by his lucrative contract at Old Trafford. The 23-year-old has a deal until 2026 worth more than £300k-a-week, making it difficult to find a club willing to take him on without United having to take a huge financial hit.

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AFCON 2025: Yobo to serve as draw assistant

Former Super Eagles defender Joseph Yobo has been selected as one of the draw assistants for the final draw of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The draw ceremony is set to take place today at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat, Morocco, where the 24 qualified teams will discover their paths to the trophy.

Yobo will be joined by other African football icons, including Mustapha Hadji, Serge Aurier, and Aliou Cisse.

The quartet will not only oversee the draw by selecting balls from the pots but will also share their insights on the tournament groups.

The 2025 AFCON finals will be hosted in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

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Super Eagles will succeed under Eric Chelle – Sadiq Umar

Super Eagles forward Umar Sadiq has expressed his support for the team’s new head coach, Eric Chelle, and is optimistic about his success in the role.

Chelle was appointed as the Super Eagles’ head coach earlier this month, a decision that has sparked criticism directed at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Despite the backlash, Sadiq is confident in the 47-year-old’s ability to lead the team effectively.

“You can see what he did in the last AFCON. Everyone thought Mali was one of the favorites,” Sadiq told Sporty TV.

“You can see how they played. They were so good, but they got knocked out in the quarterfinals because, sometimes, it’s not the best team that wins.

“But I can tell you, I watched a lot of Mali’s games because I have a teammate there. You can see how they play, and it’s clear the coach (Chelle) has a lot of great ideas.”

Chelle’s impressive work with Mali during the previous AFCON has given Sadiq confidence that the coach can bring similar success to the Super Eagles.

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‘I’m happy to be out there’ — Dessers opens up on Rangers exit

Cyriel Dessers has expressed his intention to remain at Rangers beyond the winter transfer window despite speculation about his future.

The Nigerian international began the season as Rangers’ first-choice striker but has since lost his spot to Hamza Igamane.

Dessers has been linked with a return to Italy, with reports suggesting interest from Cagliari and Empoli. Spanish club Leganes is also reportedly keen on signing the former Feyenoord forward.

In a recent interview, Dessers acknowledged plans to discuss his status at the club with senior officials. However, the 30-year-old revealed that no such talks have taken place yet.

“No talks at all. I don’t mind that. I try to focus on the football and the things that are happening on the pitch,” Dessers told the Daily Record.

“Those are the things that I can control. And like Sunday at Tannadice, I’m just happy to be out there with the guys, fighting for the points and being important.

“That’s what I want. There’s a lot of unfinished business at Rangers for me. That’s why I kept pushing in the last weeks—in the gym, in training, and in the minutes that you get.”

Despite his recent challenges, Dessers has had an impressive season, scoring 18 goals across all competitions under manager Philippe Clement.