'He is an option': Erik ten Hag teases surprising striker choice against Man City next week

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has indicated that he might start with a false nine against Manchester City in the Community Shield on August 10.

Rasmus Hojlund started the first game of the pre-season tour to the United States but had to come off due to a hamstring injury. He is expected to regain fitness by next month.

New summer signing Joshua Zirkzee did not travel with the squad for the pre-season as he was involved with the Netherlands at the 2024 European Championship.

With the Red Devils less than a week away from clashing with their arch-rivals, Ten Hag has hinted that Jadon Sancho could start up front.

He said (via ESPN): “Yes, otherwise we wouldn’t play with him there.

“That is what we can do if we don’t have the availability of Rasmus, but of course, Joshua Zirkzee – he is coming in.

“He has started training, but also consider that he is not so long in training, so that will take time, and he has to adapt to English football and our way of playing.

“There is also Jadon as a striker. We know he can play in wide areas, but also as a false striker, he’s an option.”

A major turnaround for Jadon Sancho at United

Not long ago, many people believed that Sancho had no future at United.

After his social media outburst against Ten Hag, he was banished from the squad and sent on loan to Borussia Dortmund.

However, the winds of change have blown through Old Trafford since Sir Jim Ratcliffe arrived as co-owner.

The new ownership has sparked a potential fresh start, with both Sancho and Ten Hag seemingly eager to put the past behind them.

The Dutchman also used Sancho as a false nine early in the previous campaign. Leading the line is a role outside his natural position.

Despite the unfamiliarity, this presents the Englishman with a crucial opportunity to prove his worth.

He faces the dual challenge of regaining the manager’s faith and winning back the fans’ support. He can do so by rising to the occasion against Man City.

Marcus Rashford is another viable alternative in the striker role but the United manager insists that his best position is on the left.

Ten Hag would ideally want Sancho to drop deeper to collect the ball and spread it wide to Rashford, Amad Diallo or Alejandro Garnacho.

Zirkzee could make his club debut off the bench if the former Dortmund star struggles to make an impact.