Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has revealed that it was a tactical decision to leave Jadon Sancho out of the squad for Friday's Premier League clash against Fulham.
Sancho was a notable absentee from the Red Devils squad in their campaign opener, with Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford starting in the wide areas, and Alejandro Garnacho and Antony the two options off the bench.
Ten Hag said that the Englishman had an ear infection during the week, so he was not at peak fitness, but the Dutchman revealed that he could have selected Sancho.
The manager confirmed that it was a tactical decision to leave the former Manchester City youngster out of the selection, which will only fuel suggestions that the forward will be on his way out before the end of the transfer window.
Paris Saint-Germain have been heavily linked with the 24-year-old in recent weeks, while it is understood that Chelsea are keen to bring him to Stamford Bridge.
Ten Hag reveals reason for Sancho absence
"First of all we need squad depth and we need it this season to be survival of the fittest. I can only put 20 players in the squad, I have to make choices and in the week, he had an ear infection but he was not 100% fit," Ten Hag told reporters during his post-match press conference.
"He could play but if we had the choices, we preferred to put other players on the bench but that will change in the season as we have to rotate, because we can't play so many games the same.
"You see how important the subs are and you see it is about balance. Sometimes it is frustrating about the team, the club and there will be more players in this position. We expect them to fight for the club, as we have so many games to play for the club. Everyone will get their minutes and then they have to prove it."
Sancho was a second-half substitute in the Community Shield against Manchester City last weekend, and he did manage to patch-up his relationship with Ten Hag earlier this summer following a high-profile falling-out towards the end of last year.
Will Sancho leave Man United this summer?
Despite Sancho and Ten Hag seemingly putting their differences aside, it is understood that their relationship is still strained.
Amad, Rashford, Garnacho and Antony are all ahead of Sancho in the pecking order for the wide positions, while he is also behind Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund when it comes to the position through the middle.
Sancho has only managed 12 goals and six assists in 83 appearances for Man United in all competitions, and it would be best for all parties to cut ties this summer.
The forward appeared to be enjoying his football back on loan at Borussia Dortmund in the second half of last season, but BVB did not have the funds to re-sign him on a permanent basis this summer. body check tags ::
