Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho has been told Erik ten Hag did not mean anything mischievous by his comments which caused a major fallout between the pair last September.
Sancho branded himself a 'scapegoat' on social media after Ten Hag informed journalists at the Emirates Stadium the Englishman missed the clash with Arsenal because his performances were not up to scratch. The 24-year-old eventually deleted the post from his Twitter account but refused to apologise for his outburst.
This led to him being banished from first team training before being loaned to Borussia Dortmund in January. Sancho's temporary stint in Germany has since ended and the winger was expected back at Carrington on Monday morning for the first day of pre-season but he was not spotted arriving at the training ground.
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MEN Sport has contacted United for information as to whether Sancho attended training but they have remained tight-lipped on the issue. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News in his role as ambassador for Free Bets, Rene Meulensteen explained that a transfer needs to be sorted quickly for the winger if that is the way the club wishes to go.
The former United assistant manager said: "Any issue with any player you make sure you address it personally, directly and within four walls. There's a trust element there that you need to make sure you earn for both parties. It was action, reaction.
"I think Ten Hag didn't mean anything mischievous with what he said, because if you said the exact same thing in Holland it would not have resulted in anything - that's our culture. He just said he didn't train well enough.
"Holland this would be no issue. But obviously you got the reaction from Jadon on social media and everything explodes. It's haunted them both for the rest of the season.
"Jadon then went to Dortmund, did well, got his mojo back. The thing is now, we just need clarity on the situation.
"If the future for Jadon isn't Man United, then make sure you deal with those things quickly and efficiently, otherwise the media will be constantly coming back to it and you constantly have to justify yourself. Especially with pre-season, you want to start fresh, all noses pointing in the same direction.
"It's hard enough this season due to the international commitments and everyone away. But for this or any issue deal with it in house quickly, respectfully and efficiently that can't negatively affect the club."
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