SUMMARY
- Jaden Sancho put on an amazing performance against PSG in the Champions League semi-final for Borussia Dortmund.
- Afterward, Sancho made an interesting observation about his Manchester United future.
It was a stunning night for Jadon Sancho and Borussia Dortmund as they took on PSG in the first leg of the UCL semifinals. In a game where perhaps Borussia Dortmund was labeled as the underdogs, the German side marked a memorable 1-0 victory. However, while it was PSG who ended up on the losing side on Wednesday, it was Manchester United who were ruing after watching Sancho’s performance.
Niclas Füllkrug’s 36th-minute goal was enough to secure a win for Borussia Dortmund against PSG in the UCL semifinals. Despite PSG’s Kylian Mbappe hitting the post twice, it was a lackluster performance from the French giants who were kept subdued by the stubborn Dortmund defense. However, it was simply Jadon Sancho’s night as he gave Manchester United a taste of what they were missing.
DELICATE FIRST TOUCH, BRUTAL SECOND. A textbook striker’s goal gives Borussia Dortmund lead. 🟡⚫️
NICLAS FULLKRUG meeting the moment like a beekeeper at an Arizona Diamondbacks game. 🐝pic.twitter.com/A521XWFdUR
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) May 1, 2024
Sancho, who was loaned out by United to Dortmund at the beginning of this year, created havoc for Dortmund on the wings. The English international’s mazy runs left the PSG defenders puzzled as Sancho created some big opportunities for his side. He created two big chances for Füllkrug and Julian Brandt which was not capitalized on by either of them.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy @Sanchooo10‘s postgame interview with @Carra23 and @Pschmeichel1 🤣 🖤💛 pic.twitter.com/51ofqzbDOW
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 1, 2024
In the post-match interview, Sancho was asked whether he plans on staying at Borussia Dortmund or returning to Manchester United after his loan spell ends. However, Sancho steered clear of any controversy and replied, “I really don’t know. I am just focused on the present right now.” Currently, Sancho would be setting his sights on securing the UCL final spot as Dortmund travel to Paris after a week for the return leg against PSG.
Jadon Sancho explains the difference between Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United
Jadon Sancho’s performance against PSG has been the talk of the town since his move from Manchester United a few months ago. Sancho, who got into a dispute with United head coach Erik ten Hag, had to return to his former club, Borussia Dortmund, in order to get some playing time. However, the irony is that while Sancho is dreaming of a Champions League final spot, United were knocked out in the group stages of the competition.
After the game against PSG, Sancho was asked by the English soccer pundit Jamie Carragher about what motivated him to put in such an outstanding performance. Sancho, who appeared to take a dig at United, replied, “I am just delighted with all the staff and the players who welcomed me back. I always give me everything in front of the fans.”
🚨 Ten Hag: “Sancho’s performances changing my mind? No. We know Jadon is a fantastic football player, so that is not a surprise for us…”.
“That is not the issue”.
“He made his contribution to the result for Dortmund. A great performance, for sure”. pic.twitter.com/QOQnjmflNI
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 19, 2024
While the question remains about Sancho’s future after the end of this season, Erik ten Hag has also had his say on Sancho’s recent performances. Following Dortmund’s UCL quarterfinal win against Atletico Madrid, Ten Hag said, “Jadon Sancho is a fantastic football player, so that is not a surprise for us.” However, Ten Hag continues to remain unconvinced about Sancho’s potential future, if any, at Manchester United.
Jadon Sancho almost emulates Lionel Messi’s record in the UCL
A perfect testament to how brilliant Jadon Sancho was against PSG is that the former almost managed to emulate Lionel Messi. According to reports from OptaJoe, the 24-year-old Dortmund star completed as many as 11 take-ons against PSG in the UCL semifinal and made life miserable for the defenders. He also became the first English soccer star to ever achieve this feat.
Jadon Sancho is the first Englishman on @OptaJoe‘s records to complete 11+ take-ons in a single Champions League game.
The last player to complete more in a #UCL semi-final? Lionel Messi against Man Utd in 2008 (16). 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/WiAWnJ0cd2
— Squawka (@Squawka) May 1, 2024
Moreover, Sancho’s extraordinary achievement is only bested by none other than Lionel Messi. Back in 2008, the Argentine ace completed 16 take-ons against Manchester United. While Messi’s record for the most take-on by a single player in a UCL semifinal remains untouched, Sancho coming close to breaking it after 16 years just highlights how good the English international was against PSG.