Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says withdrawing Jadon Sancho from the frontline wasn't a gamble.
Sancho has returned to action in fine form, scoring as a substitute against Leeds on Wednesday, and it's been noticeable he has been playing with a smile on his face.
Ten Hag has been widely praised for his man management of Sancho, but the decision did leave him short of attacking options. The winger missed United's training camp in Spain in December and was then absent from the squad for the first 11 matches after the season resumed after the World Cup.
Ten Hag did not see the decision to allow Sancho time away from the club during the season as a risk, insisting: I don't gamble. If you want to gamble you go to the casino and you can't do that as a football manager."
Ten Hag admits it's impossible to say the issues are behind Sancho for good, however, but as hard as he pushed his players, he will also be there for them if they have problems to sort out.
"It's a personal thing and you don't know in any head what is going on and I think you have to respect that," said Ten Hag. "I support every player, I back every player where I can and I want to ensure that we have a good team spirit; ensure and encourage and motivate all the players to give their best.
"So I will push them and I will be there, and my coaches as well, if they have problems and we will help them to sort them out."