Erik ten Hag praised Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford for scoring penalties against Brighton in Manchester United’s semi-final shootout win at Wembley Stadium.
Speaking to reporters ahead of United’s Premier League clash with Tottenham, Ten Hag was asked about stepping up for Sancho and taking a penalty despite his difficult 2022/23 season so far:
“I think we have seen many times in the season very good performances from Jadon. I definitely think that moment on Sunday will strengthen him even more and give him, as you say, more courage and more confidence.”
Sancho, who has endured a tough season at Old Trafford, stepped up to take the third penalty in the shootout and scored with ease. The striker had missed an extended spell due to unspecified illness after the World Cup but has impressed in recent weeks following his reinstatement to the senior squad.
Both Sancho and Rashford notably missed penalties in England’s infamous loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
“I think you have to give him credit and reward him for stepping up on Sunday and it was such a good penalty. He was so convincing and the same can be said for Rashy. [Marcus Rashford]it was so convincing.
“I think they have overcome the trauma and that is very good because they have shown that they have character and personality. That can help us because a lot of times you ask questions about how to recover in a game, this is the same in a game, showing personality when things are not going your way. Be sure to turn it around.”
United will face Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in the FA Cup final on June 3.
