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New problem looming for Jadon Sancho at Man Utd despite encouraging England form
Jadon Sancho will soon have to deal with a new problem at Manchester United, despite his England form giving fans reason to rejoice.
The 21-year-old registered two assists as the Three Lions defeated Andorra 5-0 in their World Cup qualifier on Saturday – but not in the right-wing role that he was brought back to Manchester to shine in.
Gareth Southgate deployed him on the left flank, where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer already has an embarrassment of riches and will find it difficult to accommodate another competitor.
And, with Marcus Rashford set to return from injury after resuming full training, Sancho is set to find himself in a positional quandary after a fairly underwhelming start to his Old Trafford career.
His England teammate has yet to appear this season due to shoulder surgery, but he should be available after the current international break.
Rashford’s 21 goals and 15 assists in 2020-21, mostly from the left flank, cemented his place as an almost constant in Solskjaer’s United XI.
That was while Sancho, who joined United for £73 million during the summer transfer window, was regaining form at Borussia Dortmund on the same side after previously starring on the right flank.
Solskjaer and co. face Leicester City on Saturday, October 16, looking to get back on track after failing to win in their previous two Premier League matches.
To compound the Red Devils manager’s problems, Anthony Martial started on the left and scored in United’s last game, opening the scoring in a 1-1 draw with Everton.
Cristiano Ronaldo has also played there on occasion, particularly when Edinson Cavani takes over at striker.
After Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho both struggled to find anyone more suited to the role than an out-of-position Juan Mata, the right-wing slot was frequently reserved for Mason Greenwood post-pandemic.
Solskjaer recently praised Sancho’s performance from the left flank in United’s Champions League win over Villarreal, responding to Southgate’s admission that the winger’s club appearances were ‘probably undeserving’ of a spot in his squad.
“Was that interview done before Wednesday night?” the Norwegian asked regarding the Three Lions boss’ comments, which were made at a press conference on the Thursday.
“Jadon was exceptional, he was electric. The crowd loved him and I think he felt that connection,” Solskjaer claimed.
“He was direct, positive, he went past the full-back numerous times. Yes, he’s not scored yet but I thought, ‘that’s Jadon and we’re going to see lots of that.
He added: “Gareth has also said it’s important that Jadon knows [England] believe in him and are invested in him.”
Southgate urged the Red Devils to be patient with their newly-arrived star after the match in Andorra, citing off-field factors that could affect his United form.
“We shouldn’t be surprised that for a young player to have such a big change in his life,” Southgate explained.
“New league, new club, different style of play, different training regime, back living in Manchester, moving house and everything that’s involved in that, that’s a lot to take in.
“So it’s going to need time but he showed a lot of the qualities that he has [on Saturday] and I know that will come with the club as well.”
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New problem looming for Jadon Sancho at Man Utd despite encouraging England form
