While operating as a false nine during pre-season, Sancho has impressed, netting a superb strike in the 2-0 win against Arsenal on Saturday.
And Ten Hag praised his development after the friendly in New Jersey, claiming he believed his No 25 was more influential in central areas.
However, Sancho dropped out of the starting line-up against Real as Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Bruno Fernandes made up the front three.
All three stars were among the second wave of Ten Hag’s squad to join pre-season due to their international involvement this summer.
And Sancho’s snub indicates that while he has caught the eye as a false nine in recent weeks, Ten Hag has preferred options.
United are pursuing a deal for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, reportedly submitting a verbal offer worth £51m this week.
The 20-year-old Dane would allow Rashford to spend most of the season in his favoured left-wing role.
But Rashford is clearly still viewed as Ten Hag’s first-choice striker when he doesn’t have a natural choice at his disposal.
And if the Dutchman believes Sancho is more suited to a central role, he may have fallen behind Antony and Garnacho in his winger pecking order.
Rotation is routine in pre-season, but Ten Hag starting Mason Mount and Fernandes ahead of Sancho makes it seem like he isn’t as keen on experimenting with the England winger as previously believed.
And once Anthony Martial returns from injury, Hojlund’s potential arrival would likely make Sancho fourth choice striker.
Ten Hag’s desire to sign a striker confirms that he wants a focal point at the spearhead of his attack rather than a false nine in the long term.
So it comes as no surprise that he has started prioritising Rashford’s minutes down the middle with the new season just 18 days away.
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