Sancho Reveals Painful Reasons for Manchester United Struggles
Jadon Sancho has shed light on the two significant reasons behind his challenging spell at Manchester United, hinting at the underlying factors that hampered his performance.
High Expectations and Disappointing Reality
When Jadon Sancho moved from Borussia Dortmund to Old Trafford nearly three years ago, expectations were sky-high. Having built a reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents in the Bundesliga, Sancho struggled to replicate that form under a succession of managers at Manchester United.
A Low Point at United
Sancho’s time at United reached a nadir early this season when he was excluded from the squad for a match against Arsenal in September. Erik ten Hag publicly criticized Sancho for his lack of effort in training, leading to a public rebuttal from the player on social media. Sancho was subsequently sidelined from the first team after refusing to apologize to the manager.
Revival at Dortmund
A loan move back to Borussia Dortmund has reignited Sancho’s career. The 24-year-old played a pivotal role in Dortmund’s run to the Champions League final against Real Madrid at Wembley, showcasing his renewed confidence with a standout performance in the semi-final against PSG.
Coaching Styles and Player Freedom
Sancho highlighted the importance of coaching styles in his recent revival. “It’s crucial for me to have a manager who trusts me to roam the pitch and pick up the ball,” Sancho told CNN, contrasting Ten Hag’s approach with that of his current boss, Edin Terzic. “I see things and like to move around to help the team. At times I stay in position, but I also like to drift and assist in advancing the play.”
Misunderstood Persona
Often perceived as brash and overconfident, Sancho insists this image is far from accurate. He suggested that his shyness and difficulty in trusting others contributed to his struggles at United, while Dortmund’s familial atmosphere has been instrumental in his resurgence.
Refusal to Apologize
Sancho’s long-term future remains uncertain, particularly if Ten Hag continues as manager and no apology is forthcoming. Former United coach Benni McCarthy explained to 947 that Sancho’s refusal to apologize stemmed from a fear of admitting to the accusations of laziness and poor training habits. “If you’re from the streets, no one wants to apologize because it means admitting to the negative labels,” McCarthy explained. Despite understanding the delicacy of the situation, Sancho stood firm, believing that an apology would confirm the criticisms against him.
Looking Ahead
As Sancho prepares for the Champions League final, his performances have hinted at a bright future, albeit potentially away from Manchester United. Whether he remains at Dortmund or finds another club, Sancho’s recent form suggests he is far from finished, with the potential to reach the heights once expected of him.
The saga of Jadon Sancho continues to unfold, with his recent revival offering hope for a promising career ahead, despite the tumultuous period at Manchester United.