Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has explained why Jadon Sancho was left out of the squad for the opening game of the season despite being fit.
Sancho was a regular during United's pre-season tour of United States and also come off the bench in the Community Shield against Manchester City last weekend.
However, the England international was not included in the match day squad for the opening game against Fulham at Old Trafford on Friday night.
Read: New Signing Nets Late Winner On Debut For Man Utd
The Red Devils bagged the 1-0 win on the night but Ten Hag reveals he could only pick 20 players in the squad.
"First of all, we need squad depth," Ten Hag said, as per Manchester Evening News.
"This season is the survival of the fittest but I can only put 20 players in the squad, I have to make choices.
"And Jadon in the week had an ear infection and was not 100% fit for this. He could play but if you can make choices, I made the choice that we preferred other players on the bench.
"That can change and will definitely change in the season where we have to rotate because we can't play every game with the same. You see today how important subs are, we need the right bench and the right balance.
"Sometimes it is frustrating for the player but it's about the team, it's about the club, there will be more players in this position but we expect them to fight for the club. We have so many games to play, everyone will have their minutes and then they have to prove it."
