Erik ten Hag hints Jadon Sancho could return for Manchester United in the FA Cup against Reading

Jadon Sancho could make his long-awaited comeback for Manchester United in the FA Cup fourth clash with Reading at Old Trafford on Saturday.

United boss Erik ten Hag confirmed that Sancho is in contention for a place in the squad and could play again for the first time in three months.

‘He is training with the team and we will see,’ said Ten Hag. ‘He’s improving, he’s making steps and we will make the decision after training.

Sancho has been in team training with Ten Hag now deciding when the winger will feature

‘I said he’s on the way back, he’s making steps, he’s back in team training and we have to see when he’s ready to go back into game.’

Sancho returned to training with the rest of the United squad last week for the first time in two months having missed the club’s winter camp in Spain because he was physically and mentally unfit to take part.

Sancho followed an individual programme for eight weeks before rejoining the rest of the group at Carrington last week. He has not played for United in three months since the 1-1 draw at Chelsea in October.

Ten Hag said he would make a decision over Sancho’s possible involvement after training

The winger, who also closed his social media channels, was sent to Holland to work with coaches recommended with Ten Hag.

Speaking earlier this month the United boss said: ‘I would like to have Jadon back as soon as possible. I will do everything that’s in my power, but some processes you can’t force and this is one of them. So I have also to show patience.

‘We have some hurdles to take but I think he’s in a good direction. In this moment he is not fit enough. I said, physical. He is now making good progress on the physical part and that will help him. Physical is also the connection with mental. I hope he can return quickly but I can’t say how long it will be.’