Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed a fitness issue contributed to the decision to leave Jadon Sancho out of the squad for Friday’s win over Fulham.

Sancho and Ten Hag agreed to leave their public dispute in the past over the summer and the winger returned to the first-team fold for pre-season, even seeing competitive minutes off the bench late in United’s Community Shield defeat to Manchester City.

There was, however, no sign of Sancho in United’s matchday squad for their Premier League opener against Fulham, sparking speculation that a summer transfer could be on the cards. Paris Saint-Germain have been touted as admirers and reports have even named Chelsea as potential suitors.

Asked to explain Sancho’s omission, Ten Hag revealed the winger had been battling illness in the build-up to the game.

“First of all we need squad depth, this season will be survival of the fittest, I can only put 20 players in the squad,” Ten Hag said. “Then Jadon in the week had an ear infection, he was not 100% fit.

“He could play but we made the choice, we preferred [to have] others on the bench. But that can change. It will change.

“We can’t play everyone the same, you see today how important the subs are. Sometimes frustrating for the player, but it’s about team, club, there will be more players in this position, we expect them to fight for the club.”

90min understands that PSG have made a tentative enquiry about Sancho’s status this summer during talks with United over midfielder Manuel Ugarte, but their interest in the winger has not advanced beyond that stage thus far.

Midfielder Bruno Fernandes is another who has been mentioned in negotiations, but PSG did not pursue a move before the 29-year-old signed his new contract at Old Trafford.

PSG have since signed Desire Doue from Rennes in a €50m deal, suggesting their desire to sign a new winger may now be over.

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