Jadon Sancho’s controversial decision not to apologize to Erik ten Hag after missing a training session has been a hot topic of debate among Manchester United fans for weeks, but now a coach at the club has come forward to offer a surprising explanation behind the young star’s decision. According to the insider, Sancho’s refusal to apologize was not a sign of disrespect or defiance, but rather a calculated move to stand up for himself against the manager’s unfair treatment of him.

Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy has disclosed the real reason behind Jadon Sancho’s refusal to apologize to Erik ten Hag earlier in the season.

Sancho, now 24, will be playing in the Champions League final this weekend, but not for Manchester United. Instead, he will represent Borussia Dortmund, having rejoined them on loan earlier in the season. This unexpected development followed his exclusion from Erik ten Hag’s first-team squad at Old Trafford after a contentious social media post in September.

The conflict began when Ten Hag left Sancho out of the squad for a match against Arsenal, citing poor training performance as the reason. Sancho publicly disagreed, claiming he was being unfairly targeted. Although he later removed the post, he steadfastly refused to apologize to Ten Hag, who had made an apology a condition for his return to the squad.

In a recent interview with 947 Joburg, Benni McCarthy, a member of Ten Hag’s coaching team, provided insight into Sancho’s viewpoint. McCarthy stated, “I spoke to the manager and explained the sensitivity of the situation. Jadon felt that apologizing would be an admission of the criticisms against him—that he didn’t train hard or work hard, and that all the negative comments were justified.”

McCarthy also discussed the mentality influenced by Sancho’s background, saying, “From the streets, apologizing can be perceived as acknowledging laziness or a lack of commitment. No one from that environment wants to confirm such accusations by apologizing. Jadon wasn’t willing to do that. However, the manager insisted that an apology was necessary.”

Trying to mediate, McCarthy approached Sancho as both a coach and a mentor. He attempted to help Sancho see the situation from a different perspective, drawing from his own similar experiences. McCarthy shared, “I told Jadon, understanding the street code, that sometimes a practical approach is needed. However, Jadon remained adamant. He told me, ‘I’m not going to apologize because that would mean admitting to being lazy, to being late, to not giving my best. That’s what they want me to apologize for, and it’s not true.’”

This complex stand-off illustrates the intricacies of modern football, where player management transcends the pitch and delves into personal pride and public image. Sancho’s refusal to apologize highlights a deeper conflict between preserving personal integrity and meeting professional expectations. As this situation continues to evolve, its impact on Sancho’s career and his relationship with Manchester United remains to be seen.