Pranav Nair
Gary Neville warns Manchester United star Jadon Sancho that he could end up in Donny van de Beek’s shoes
According to the Metro, Manchester United legend, Gary Neville has warned new boy Jadon Sancho that he could end up in a similar situation to Donny van de Beek.
The Dutch midfielder was United’s marquee signing in the summer of 2020 and even scored on his debut against Crystal Palace. Little did one know that it was as good as it would get for the 24-year-old at Old Trafford.
van de Beek has found game time hard to come by and is the forgotten man at the Theatre of Dreams. Neville believes history could repeat itself with Sancho.
The English international has flattered to deceive since his £73 million deal from Borussia Dortmund in the summer. He was an unused substitute in the 5-0 thrashing to Liverpool and once again watched on from the bench against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday night.
Neville believes this displays a familiar trend that we have come to associate with van de Beek. The Dutchman has often had to watch games from the bench irrespective of his performances on it.
“Sancho, if he’s not careful, is going to end up exactly the same.”
Fine-tuning needed?
Sancho has looked out of sorts since joining United and is yet to make a single goal contribution. Whether it is him struggling to fit the system or the team as a whole remains to be seen.
“He’s come in here and probably thinking, ‘what the hell am I in here? What is this?”
Neville however admits that Sancho has shown more discipline than many of his United teammates. But while that is good, he was brought in to contribute to the attack, something he has barely done so far.
“He’s actually the only player, when you look at the defensive running stats of Manchester United’s front players, that’s got anywhere near.”
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No player is too big to fall and hopefully, Sancho will experience better fortunes at United. After all, it is still young days at the club for the 21-year-old. Given his potential, United could have a future world-beater on their hands. God forbid, he follows in van de Beek’s footsteps, Ole Gunnar Solskajer will have murder on his hands.
