Jadon Sancho Absent Again as Defending Champions Start Carabao Cup Journey with a Calm 3-0 Win Against Palace

While the battle between Jadon Sancho and Erik ten Hag continues off the pitch, Manchester United continued their winning run and trophy defence with a calm and controlled 3-0 display against Crystal Palace on the field. Although the Red Devils came into the match as favourites, many did not expect the ease with how the team dismantled a Palace side when they only scored one goal against 19th-place Burnley on Sunday. However, the United team seemed to regain their mojo and are vying to defend the sole trophy they won last year.

Also Read: Leandro Trossard Delivers a Crushing Blow to the Toffees as His Goal Earned a 1-0 Away Win for Arsenal

Casemiro Shines While Mason Mount Prevents the 007 Curse

The ever-reliable Casemiro showcased his worth once more as he dominated the midfield against his opposition and provided a goal and assist en route to their 3-0 win. Before the Casemiro show, Alejandro Garnacho got on the scoresheet after returning to the starting lineup ahead of the underwhelming Marcus Rashford.

Casemiro then got on the scoresheet 6 minutes later and directed his header from a corner superbly past Dean Henderson and into the back of the net. Casemiro then turned provider as he floated a superb cross towards the back post, where Martial connected with it beautifully and gave United the 3-goal cushion. 

While Casemiro will earn all the plaudits, Mason Mount will be relieved as he prevented himself from the famed 007 meme circulating the Internet as his precise corner found the head of the Brazilian and registered his first contribution in a United shirt. 

Erik ten Hag Ruthlessly Dismissed Talks About Jadon Sancho

Unfortunately for Erik ten Hag, the news outlet seem more focused on the story of Jadon Sancho and himself, even with the England winger remotely close to the team. When asked about Jadon Sancho, the Dutch manager ruthlessly and quickly dismissed talks regarding the player. “I do not talk about players who are not available. It is up to him (Jadon Sancho).”

However, the Dutch manager took a seemingly calmer approach when answering his team’s overall performance today. “Oh, it is a good night, as you said. And I think we played quite well and dominated the game. So that was what we were looking for. The spirit was always good as togetherness was always there and is there. And you could also see that today. And we make a step forward in Burnley, how we defend, how we do that, and togetherness today on the ball, and we make another step. So still a lot to come, but we are making [Progress] and moving forward.”

When asked about the performances of Casemiro and Martial, he replied: “You know the qualities of Casemiro, and he adds so much to the team in his distribution, but also in his arriving. And now, of course, it’s from a corner. And his heading is a threat. But I think on the third goal [He got the] assist. For Martial, it was a brilliant finish. It is good that he gets his goal. That was important and will give him confidence. So, very happy and pleased with this performance as well.”

The Jadon Sancho Saga Continues

Even if you are not his fan, watching a promising talent like Jadon Sancho fade away is never pleasing to the eye. While it is one thing if he fails to perform to his expectations on the pitch, not even having the opportunity to play is another. 

After rumours spreading from news outlets that his United teammates are urging Jadon Sancho to apologise to the manager, the England winger seemed to deactivate his Instagram account as the cold war between him and the gaffer continues. However, prior to deactivating his account, Jadon Sancho seemed unfazed as people spotted him playing FIFA on Sunday while his club faced off against Burnley.

As for now, as punishment for speaking out against his manager on social media, Jadon Sancho is banned from using all first-team facilities at the club’s Carrington training ground and can only dine with the academy players. While this may seem harsh, a manager enforcing the law is a throwback to the old days of managers having more power over the players. Thus, what do you think? Who is in the right, and who is in the wrong? Let us know in the comments below.