Is Manchester United superstar Jadon Sancho set for departure?

Jadon Sancho is a bit of a hot topic at Manchester United at the moment and it could well be that United decide to cash in on the winger. The question does remain whether this is the right decision and could Sancho still contribute to an Erik ten Hag side?

Jadon Sancho arrival at Manchester United

It is fair to say when Jadon Sancho arrived to Old Trafford it was heralded as an overdue signing and one that would help propel Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils to a title challenge. However, things did not work out that way.

Nearly two years down the line and the £73 million man might be moved onto pastures new and United willing to take a loss on the former Borussia Dortmund man.

High hopes were expected of the England international who was expected to arrive in the Premier Legaue and set the world alight with his blistering pace which proved so deadly alongside Erling Haaland. However, with his former teammate breaking records for city rivals, Sancho is left putting in underwhelming performances.

How does he line up stats-wise?

It has not been an easy time for Jadon Sancho and that has been made quite public. Quite clearly struggling with the Euros hangover where he was one of three to miss a crucial penalty in the Euro 2020 final against Italy which led to horrific racist abuse online, Sancho removed all his posts from Instagram, went away to train on his own, and took time away from the game.

After a torrid game against Chelsea in October, Sancho did not play until February when he was used as a substitute against Nottingham Forest in the League Cup. Erik ten Hag has been incredibly supportive of his man and Sancho often features for the Red Devils; especially of late.

However, his numbers game needs to improve if he is going to help United win more trophies. With 35 appearances this season in all competitions, the England international has just six goals and two assists to his name; which for a player of his quality is not enough.

Is there a future?

It is not just Sancho who needs to step up his game in terms of goals and assists but he could be the fall guy with emerging talents of Alejandro Garnacho, Facundo Pellistri and Amad Diallo all wanting a place on the wing for Manchester United.

There is quite clearly a talent with Sancho who’s intricate passing around the box is a joy to behold when he links up with Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford. He is also an incredibly creative player who moves the ball quickly, especially in those favoured counterattacks that Manchester United play. He is probably more suited to the number ten role, which he has played at times this year, but is unlikely to oust captain Bruno Fernandes.

Realistically, with Sancho only being in the Premier League two seasons and having issues on and off the field, United will not jump the gun quickly on this one and he will likely be playing in a red shirt next season. However, performances have to improve and he will have to put the work in pre-season to prove he has what it takes to play at Old Trafford otherwise with just two year left on his contract next summer then the club will look to sell.