Jadon Sancho’s tumultuous time at Manchester United officially ended with a dramatic Deadline Day loan move this past summer. The 24-year-old winger had been eager to leave Old Trafford for a while, especially after his relationship with former manager Erik ten Hag soured. This rift led to Sancho being sidelined, making his exit almost inevitable.
Chelsea became the lucky club to secure Sancho on a loan, with a strong possibility of making the transfer permanent. The London club is expected to complete the deal for a fee between €25 million and €30 million next summer. One key condition of the loan is that the move will automatically turn permanent if Chelsea finishes above 15th in the Premier League, a result that seems likely given Chelsea’s solid early season form and Sancho’s immediate contributions.
However, some believe Sancho’s chapter at Manchester United may not be entirely closed. José Fonte, a former Portugal international, has expressed that Sancho could still find success at United, especially under the management of new boss Ruben Amorim. Fonte believes Amorim’s fresh approach could be just what Sancho needs to revive his career at Old Trafford.
Fonte’s Thoughts on Sancho’s Possible Return
In an interview with JeffBet, José Fonte shared why he thinks Sancho could still thrive at Manchester United. “Jadon Sancho will get a chance to impress Ruben Amorim in the summer because it’s a fresh start and a new opportunity for everyone,” Fonte explained. “Something might click between him and Amorim because Amorim knows exactly what he expects from his players in every area of the pitch. He also gives his No. 10s the freedom to be creative, and that’s exactly what Sancho needs. It could be a great opportunity for him.”
Sancho’s Strong Start at Chelsea
Since joining Chelsea, Sancho has quickly made an impact. In his first match, he assisted in the only goal of a 1-0 win over Bournemouth. His early performances have been promising, with Sancho already registering three assists in his first five appearances, signaling a potential revival in his form.
The Challenges at Manchester United
Sancho’s arrival at Manchester United in the summer of 2021 was met with high expectations after his expensive €85 million move from Borussia Dortmund. However, his time at Old Trafford fell short of these expectations, with just 12 goals in 82 appearances. His form was inconsistent, and he often found himself on the bench.
The situation reached a breaking point last season when Ten Hag publicly criticized Sancho for his training efforts. This led to Sancho defending himself on social media, which only resulted in further disciplinary measures from the club. He was excluded from first-team training, denied access to team facilities, and even removed from the squad’s WhatsApp group, marking a clear rift between him and the management.
Sancho’s situation improved somewhat when he was loaned back to Borussia Dortmund in January. There, he regained his form and played a pivotal role in helping the team reach the Champions League final, although they were eventually defeated by Real Madrid.
A Possible Return to Old Trafford?
Now playing for Chelsea and experiencing a resurgence in his career, the chance of a return to Manchester United still exists. If Ruben Amorim, known for his tactical expertise and player-friendly approach, can unlock Sancho’s full potential, the English winger could have a successful second stint at Old Trafford. This opportunity could allow Sancho to finally live up to the promise he showed when United first brought him in.
