Manchester United caught a glimpse of what Jadon Sancho was capable of this week, with his performance in the Champions League semi-final.
Jadon Sancho put in a man of the match performance for Borussia Dortmund against Paris Saint-Germain, finally demonstrating the ability which saw Manchester United sign him in the first place.
United fans reflected that Sancho’s display helps in regard to his likely summer sale, while club legend Rio Ferdinand was blown away by his 13-dribble efforts.
A debate emerged over his future, with Alessandro del Piero urging him to return to Manchester United, while Sancho would not be drawn on it when asked.
Sancho performance a bitter blow for Rasmus Hojlund
Jadon Sancho’s performance was immediately praised by Manchester United teammate Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who responded to his Instagram message. Victor Lindelof also left a message of praise too.
It was great for Sancho to be able to flourish on a big stage, and showed what perhaps, he could have contributed to Manchester United this season had he not fallen out withErik ten Hag.
Sancho’s performance was a bitter blow for Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund, who did not get to play a single minute alongside him, not even in pre-season.
Hojlund signed from Atalanta in the summer, and had to sit out the first three matches due to precaution over a back injury.
He made his debut as a substitute away at Arsenal at the start of September, a game Sancho did not travel with the squad for the game, left behind afterhis training performances were deemed to be poor, per Ten Hag.
Sancho then hit out at the manager, and that was when it all changed. Manchester United continued without him, with the player refusing to apologise.
United have done without Sancho, to the detriment of Hojlund. The Dane might not know any different, but his time at Old Trafford could have been a lot easier with the winger in the team. It was a combination United planned to have.
Sancho did his best work at Dortmund previously alongside Erling Haaland. At United, he was in search of a young, mobile striker, and United finally delivered one.
His performance in midweek demonstrated what Sancho is capable of. And Hojlund could really have benefitted from some of that.
He has been playing with Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford, who see themselves as goalscorers first, and creators second. Antony is struggling with both aspects.
Sancho is at his best when he is creating chances and posing questions for defences, and in the process, creating space for his striker.
Hojlund has 14 goals this season, not bad, especially considering he’s missed time with injury, but it could have been a lot better with Sancho in tow.
What Erik ten Hag said about Jadon Sancho
Erik ten Hag was asked about Manchester United at his press conference on Thursday, as build-up begins to the Crystal Palace game.
The United boss responded: “Let’s say this, yesterday, he played very good and I have already talked a lot about this, he is a very good player.
“Yesterday, he showed why Manchester United bought him and he showed that he is represents a high value for Manchester United, which is good.
“I am happy for Jadon and I am happy with his performance from yesterday. We will see what is going to happen in the future.”