Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has conceded that he is growing impatient for Jadon Sancho to return to action.
After joining United from Borussia Dortmund in July 2021, Sancho has struggled to match the sort of form that he enjoyed for the German club.
In 137 appearances for Dortmund, he registered 50 goals and 64 assists, but in his time with United, he has only recorded eight goals and four assists across 52 games.
Sancho has not featured for the Red Devils since October 22 after he agreed with Ten Hag to begin a process that would hopefully return him to his best form.
As a result, the 22-year-old recently took part in an individual training camp in the Netherlands, and although he has returned to England, he continues to train away from the first team.
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Speaking ahead of Friday's FA Cup third round tie against Everton, Ten Hag has revealed that he is losing his patience over Sancho's absence.
"I would like to have Jadon back as soon as possible," the United manager told reporters. "But I can't force this process. 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 to show patience, although I don't have the patience because we have a lack of opportunities in the frontline, players who are available and capable of contributing.
"Jadon is one – when he is fit – who will contribute and then we have an extra option, so we will have more chances of winning a lot of games.
"We have some hurdles to take, but I think he's in a good direction. At this moment he's not fit enough, physically. But the physical is also in connection with the mental. But now he's making good progress.
"I think for many top athletes, sometimes it's good to go away from the place where you are at daily to get a new vibe and a new experience. This can give you the right push to get back on track. Footballers aren't robots.
"No-one is the same. You need an individual approach. We thought that, in cooperation with Jadon, it was the best choice."
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As well as commenting on Sancho's progress, Ten Hag has admitted he is keen to take the FA Cup seriously, as the Red Devils begin their quest to win the trophy for the 13th time.
Ten Hag said: "To win a trophy is something great. It will give you experience and help you to win more titles and more trophies - maybe also bigger trophies, that is definitely true.
"So first you have to go over the line and get that experience, because it's always the same players who are always winning trophies and that's not a coincidence.
"For me the cup is always special. I know in England the FA Cup is even more higher expectations, higher standards than in the Netherlands, but I like the cup in the Netherlands as well, it's a different league.
"In not so many games you can achieve a lot, and you have to come away a winner, this is possible if you draw a replay but then after two it's a knockout and I like that."
United will be without Sancho, Axel Tuanzebe and Donny van de Beek for Friday's game, while Anthony Martial and Antony are doubts.
