Benni McCarthy breaks silence on Sancho
The conflict, which began in September 2023, was sparked after ten Hag publicly criticized Sancho's training performance.
In a revealing insight into the ongoing tensions between footballer Jadon Sancho and former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has explained the reason behind Sancho's controversial refusal to apologize, a decision that ultimately cost him a place in the squad.
The conflict, which began in September 2023, was sparked after ten Hag publicly criticized Sancho's training performance, implying he lacked discipline and commitment.
In response, Sancho took to social media to defend himself, accusing the manager of making him a scapegoat and denying the claims of poor work ethic.
The standoff escalated as ten Hag demanded a formal apology, which Sancho outright refused.
McCarthy, who was on Manchester United's coaching staff at the time and worked closely with Sancho, tried to mediate the situation. Speaking on the matter, he explained that Sancho’s background and personal values made it difficult for him to concede.
"If you're from the streets, no one wants to apologise because then you're admitting you are not training well, you are lazy, everything you are accused of," McCarthy said.
"To him, it would have been like admitting he was guilty of all those things."
Despite McCarthy’s efforts to act as both coach and mentor, Sancho stood his ground.
His refusal to apologize led to his isolation from the first team.
Eventually, in January 2024, Sancho was loaned out to Borussia Dortmund, where he revitalized his form and played a key role in guiding the German club to the UEFA Champions League final.
This episode offers a glimpse into the often complex dynamics between players and management, especially when personal pride and professional expectations collide.
While Sancho may have paid the price for standing by his principles, his resurgence at Dortmund shows a player still determined to write his own story, on his terms.
