Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho has not enjoyed the most fruitful of starts to life in the Premier League, following his dazzling exploits with Borussia Dortmund.  

What’s the word?

The England international arrived with a weight of expectation on his shoulders after joining the Red Devils in a £73m deal in the summer of 2021 and has indeed failed to demonstrate an elite level of performance so far at Old Trafford. 

As such, rumours have come to the fore regarding the club’s stance on their player, and despite reports that the player may leave on a permanent deal, TEAMtalk have confirmed that the England ace is very much a part of the club’s long-term plans.

Speaking to TEAMtalk, transfer specialist Graeme Bailey said: “As it stands Erik Ten Hag thinks he can get Jadon Sancho back to his best.

“He and his team, including Steve McClaren, have done great work with Marcus Rashford. The jury remains out whether they can do the same though here. United want Sancho to get back to his best, though he’s some way down the pecking order right now.”

Loan move may be beneficial 

While a prospective loan exit might be met with concern among some of the United fanbase, allowing Sancho to find his feet and consequently flourish once more might be a prudent move.

Having scored just three goals and provided one assist from 14 appearances this season, following a return of just eight goal contributions from 38 appearances during his debut campaign for the Red Devils, the “ineffective” Sancho’s progress has somewhat stalled and certainly needs rectifying swiftly. 

The stark drop-off in performance is magnified by the statistics from his time with Dortmund, with Sancho netting 16 goals and 20 assists across 38 appearances during the 2020/21 campaign, including five goal contributions from four starts in the Champions League. 

With the likes of Chelsea interested in a deal for the winger, a loan move could benefit all parties involved, with the Blues getting a presence with demonstrable prowess in front of goal and United offering the player a platform to rekindle his flagging fortunes while still retaining his contract. 

Rashford’s rejuvenation in the United team, coupled with the £85m signing of Antony from AFC Ajax, has indeed resulted in fewer opportunities for the 22-year-old Englishman under Ten Hag.

Also, with the likes of Cody Gakpo a transfer topic of increasing discussion around the Red Devil camp, Sancho might have to grit his teeth and rediscover the form which earned him his move to Old Trafford last year. 

If the chance to ply his trade temporarily elsewhere does indeed surface in the coming weeks, the England winger must clasp the opportunity with firm hands and unleash the abundant potential which brims within.