Jadon Sancho has had his brains picked by Erik ten Hag ahead of Manchester United’s visit to the Etihad Stadium today.
The winger played under Erling Haaland at Borussia Dortmund and, according to the Red Devils manager, that experience could be invaluable.
When asked if Sancho’s advice could be useful to him and his staff, Ten Hag did not hesitate to agree:
“Of course you talk to your players. When a player played in the past with a player, you ask him.
“But it is also our job beforehand to analyze the team and if the individual players have a big contribution then we have to do our job. That is what I am doing with my coaching staff and the players can give more details.
That the United manager is willing to take advantage of all the resources available to him is not a surprise.
The derby will be a big test for his team and the famously detail-oriented Ten Hag will be looking to use every advantage he can to stop Haaland, of whom he is a fan:
“I like his attitude and how he is on the pitch. He is direct and his life is about goals. It goes straight to the opposite goal.”
However, while the Norwegian already has eleven goals this season, Ten Hag insists United’s focus will be on their own game.
“Haaland can also create goals. Again, I respect that, but we’re not playing Haaland, we’re playing City. It’s not about the city. We respect the rival, but it’s Manchester United.”
With United looking to extend their four-game Premier League winning streak, the showdown at the Etihad Stadium should be exciting to watch.
City may be heavy favourites, but United are hoping their positive performances of late can help them repeat their losses to Liverpool and Arsenal earlier in the season. 
United Matchday Magazine: The best pre-match experienceThe Manchester derby. Ten Hag’s men are ready. this is huge
Get ready for the match and enjoy carefully curated news, opinions and more Online football content like you’ve never seen before No ads, no clickbait, no fake news – just 100% pure United Delivered instantly to your device made easy and secure online Place an order Click Preview to see more or GET YOUR FREE COPY (usually £1.25 / $1.50) Limited Time Offer: SAVE 33% on a Season Pass – Use discount code SEASON33 at checkout the purchase.
