Manchester United: 3 positives from FA Cup exit vs Middlesbrough

Jadon Sancho gets a goal

Manchester United had been linked with a move for Jadon Sancho for years and finally managed to get a deal over the line last summer, signing him from Borussia Dortmund in one of the biggest transfers in the history of the club.

It is safe to say that it has not worked out as well as most would have envisioned. Sancho had been one of the most effective wingers in the world during his time at Borussia Dortmund but has failed to make much of an impact while playing for Manchester United till now.

There have been some signs though in recent times that he is adjusting to the English game. Not only has his overall game improved, but he has scored a few goals as well.

He scored his third goal in a Manchester United shirt against Middlesbrough. Of course, we are already in February and he will need to improve a lot more moving forward. But at least there are some positive signs.

The focus can completely move towards the Premier League

It goes without saying that the FA Cup is one of the most prestigious competitions in the world. But at this point of time, it might be more important for Manchester United to finish in the top four of the Premier League.

They are in a tough race for the Champions League qualification spots with Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, West Ham United and Wolves right now, and it could go right down to the wire.

Thus, while being knocked out of the FA Cup is a massive blow to their hopes of winning a trophy this season, one silver lining in a sky full of dark clouds is that it means that they can shift their domestic focus completely towards the Premier League now. Let’s see how things unfold there.