The 2023-24 season has been full of ups and downs for Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho who’s currently on loan to Borussia Dortmund. After a turbulent past year at Manchester United, Sancho finally appears to have found his feet once he returned to Germany. However, the big question for the English club ahead of the new season remains- should Jadon Sancho return to Manchester United?
Jadon Sancho‘s big-money $93 million move to Manchester United back in 2021 was hugely celebrated by the club supporters. Sancho, who was regarded as one of the best young soccer stars in the world back then, moved from Borussia Dortmund to England. However, Sancho struggled to replicate his performances at Manchester and managed just 12 goals in 82 appearances for the club.
Last year, Sancho and United head coach Erik ten Hag got into a dispute after the former responded to Ten Hag’s comments on social media. Since then, Sancho failed to make a single appearance for the club due to him being at odds with Ten Hag. With Sancho refusing to apologize, the England international was sent out on loan to Borussia Dortmund.
Following his return to his former club, Sancho has been able to turn around his career. He played a stellar role during Dortmund’s recent UCL semifinal first leg against PSG and has almost helped his side secure a place in the UCL final. On the other hand, Sancho’s parent club, United was relegated from European soccer early into the season and won’t be able to qualify for the UCL next season.
Since Sancho’s loan move to Borussia Dortmund doesn’t have a buy option, it means that Manchester United do want their former star back. However, Sancho’s future at United hugely depends on his relationship with Erik ten Hag. With Erik ten Hag’s departure from the club next season doesn’t seem likely, staying at Dortmund might be the best for Sancho.
Jadon Sancho’s best move will be to stay at Borussia Dortmund
When Jadon Sancho signed the deal with Manchester United, he announced that playing for the Red Devils was a “dream come true” moment for him. However, three years later, perhaps Sancho doesn’t have the same dream anymore.
Despite Erik ten Hag’s praises on Jadon Sancho for his performance against PSG, should returning to Manchester United be the best move for the 24-year-old? One of the first and foremost reasons why Sancho should carefully think about a return to United is his ongoing problems with Erik ten Hag. It has been very evident that the manager doesn’t get along with the player.
🚨🚨🎙️| Erik ten Hag on Jadon Sancho’s Champions League performance last night:
“Yesterday he played very good, he is a very good player, showed why Manchester United bought him and represents a high value. I am happy for Jadon.” pic.twitter.com/poJ1iNEnKr
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) May 2, 2024
Even if they manage to bury the hatchet, there’s no reason why the same can’t happen again. Man-management issues have been a major source of concern as well as criticism during Ten Hag’s stint at United so far. If a similar situation happens once again, it would be a major setback for Sancho’s career. Secondly, it’s no rocket science to understand that the England international plays better at Borussia Dortmund.
“This is what you pay £70 million for…”
The Football Show analyse Jadon Sancho’s performance against PSG and ask the question of what went wrong at Manchester United ❌ pic.twitter.com/QhnepB3Wcg
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 2, 2024
Despite having no game time for four months, Sancho has been at his very best since returning to Dortmund early this year. At Dortmund, Sancho gets more freedom to play which he won’t get at Manchester United. Moreover, Dortmund, who’s already reached the UCL semifinal, has secured a UCL spot next season, unlike United.
🚨🟡⚫️ Borussia Dortmund director Kehl confirms: “We will try everything to keep Jadon Sancho here”.
“But Manchester United also sees how well he is playing at the moment. Maybe they also want to sell him for profit or bring him back… we will see”, told @welt. pic.twitter.com/yUwz8rYeIJ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 5, 2024
Therefore, staying at Dortmund seems to be the more logical decision for Sancho. There have been recent reports of Dortmund wanting to extend Sancho’s stay at the club. While it will be difficult for the Bundesliga side to finance Sancho’s permanent move, Sancho will likely continue at Dortmund on loan for one more season with an option to permanently buy him at the end of the 2024-25 season.
How Manchester United can replace Jadon Sancho
With Jadon Sancho’s return to Manchester United growing increasingly difficult, Erik ten Hag would likely be searching for the former’s alternatives in the upcoming transfer window. There have been talks of several United players being placed on the transfer list at the end of the season. Several stars have also been linked with a move to Old Trafford ahead of the new season.
One of the names that has been heavily linked with Manchester United has been Michael Olise. The Crystal Palace star is reportedly one of the top transfer targets for Sir Jim Ratcliffe heading into the summer transfer window. Olise, who plays in a similar position to Sancho, might prove to be a good alternative for the Red Devils if Sancho chooses to stay at Dortmund.
🔴🌟 Manchester United remain one of several clubs in the race for Michael Olise, as release clause in region of £60m will be active this summer.
INEOS people already tracking him, well informed on all details but also aware of competition. He’s one of the names monitored. pic.twitter.com/1wZGO5tKoU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 5, 2024
In addition to this, Portugal and AC Milan star Rafael Leao is also reportedly on the radar of the United management. Lastly, there are also rumors linking the 18-year-old Brazilian winger Gustavo Nunes, who plays for the Brazilian club Gremio, to Manchester United.