Erik ten Hag hails ‘magnificent’ Jadon Sancho after Manchester United goal against Leeds

Erik ten Hag hailed the “magnificent” Jadon Sancho after the Manchester United forward scored his first goal since September in Wednesday’s thrilling draw with Leeds.

The England international only recently made his return to the United set-up after training on his own following what ten Hag said to be “physical and mental issues”.

Sancho’s strike won a point for the home side after Marcus Rashford had first pulled one back following Leeds’ quick-fire start in both halves.

The increasingly impressive Wilfried Gnonto opened the scoring within a minute to give the managerless Yorkshire giants an early lead before Raphael Varane put through his own net not long after the interval.

Still, ten Hag’s side were able to come back and avoid what would have been a second League home defeat of the season, keeping them three points ahead of Newcastle and four in-front of Tottenham in the race to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

"I wanted a different dynamic,” said the United boss.

“In that moment we weren’t in the game. Luckily it succeeded because we scored two goals. Very happy. He’s all the way back. We know he’s a magnificent player. I think consistently he can have a big impact. But he has to work hard. It will motivate him to get more. I really enjoyed it, especially for him. It will strengthen him.

"If you play a derby you need a different attitude. You have to start and be ready and take responsibilty, win your battles and be composed on the ball."