Erik ten Hag backs match-winner Sancho to carry on scoring for Manchester United

England winger scored his second league goal of the season to earn a 1-0 win against Leicester on Thursday

Jadon Sancho celebrates scoring Manchester United's goal in the 1-0 Premier League victory at Leicester's King Power Stadium on September 1, 2022. PA

Jadon Sancho scores past Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward. EPA

Substitute Cristiano Ronaldo leaps for the ball. EPA

Cristiano Ronaldo takes a tumble. AFP

Manchester United's Dutch manager Erik ten Hag. AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo is still at United on transfer deadline day. Action Images

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers shakes hands with Jamie Vardy after he was substituted. Reuters

Manchester United fans in the stands with a Glazers Out banner. PA

Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez celebrates the win. PA

Casemiro celebrates three points for United. Action Images

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes Jadon Sancho can continue to add goals to his game after the winger's strike against Leicester City proved decisive on Thursday.

Two defeats to start the new Premier League season left United bottom of the table but they have since enjoyed an upwards trajectory with wins over Liverpool, Southampton and now Leicester.

Sancho scored a fine effort in the victory against Liverpool and added a cool first-half goal in Thursday’s 1-0 win over the Foxes, with Ten Hag hopeful more are to come after the forward’s difficult first season at United.

“I think he had quite a good pre-season,” the Dutchman said. “He understands now he has to invest in the physical [side] and that is what he did. Now he gets the reward and that is what he has to bring.

“I’m sure this is just the start for him. With his potential, there’s much more room for improvement.

“Then he can be even more important and contribute with his creativity, with scoring goals and assists, and also with the defending part he can be even more important.”

Asked if he believes Sancho can become a prolific goalscorer, Ten Hag said: “Yes, I think he can.

“He has the capabilities and he did it also in a different league, but this is the Premier League.

“The intensity is higher so he has to adapt to that, mentally, the physical [side]. The capabilities are there, the skills.”

Ten Hag named an unchanged side for a third straight match, meaning Cristiano Ronaldo started from the bench on a night when the transfer deadline passed without a much-discussed exit coming to pass.

Antony completed his big-money switch from Ajax on Thursday and the Brazil international will be pushing to be involved in Sunday’s clash against table-topping Arsenal at Old Trafford.

“Maybe that is too quick to say that [we have turned a corner],” Ten Hag said after United’s latest win. “We are happy with it, that is sure.”

While United end the window having strengthened in a number of areas, Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers is left picking up the pieces following a frustrating summer.

Wesley Fofana and Kasper Schmeichel departed after Ademola Lookman’s loan expired, with third-choice goalkeeper Alex Smithies and deadline-day signing Wout Faes all that came the other way.

Leicester v Man United ratings

Leicester chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha explained their restricted transfer approach in his programme notes ahead of a game that ended with boos at the final whistle.

“I’m happy that the window’s shut, if I’m being honest,” Foxes boss Rodgers said. “I mean, there were huge distractions for this window.

“You’ll have read the programme notes and seen the situation that the club is in, so to have to watch virtually every single club in the top five leagues get players in and for us not to be able to improve, that was difficult, not just as a manager but for the players, because players want to compete.

“This group have shown that they can compete, but we needed (help) but unfortunately we haven’t been able to get that.

“So, in terms of the results, it’s my responsibility. I take that.

“We should have won by now. We’ve been in a couple of games and in really good positions, but we weren’t able to see it through, so I totally understand it.

“Supporters want to see the team win and if they’re not they’ll tell you.

“So, for us, we won’t hide behind the rock and go away. We’re ready to fight now but it’s going to be really, really important that the supporters really get behind the players.”