Rio Ferdinand baffled by former Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho being out of form at Manchester United
Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand is baffled by the lack of impact Jadon Sancho has had with the Red Devils since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund. The ex-defender feels the 22-year-old has lost his confidence at the club.
Sancho was signed by United from BVB in the summer of 2021. With the Bundesliga giants, the England international was one of the hottest prospects in world football. The winger’s creativity in the final third had the quality to trouble any defence.
However, the forward has not been able to showcase the same skills in Manchester yet. And speaking on his Vibe with Five YouTube channel (h/t Metro), Ferdinand, who spent 12 successful seasons at United, is unable to comprehend the former Manchester City academy star’s struggles.
“His confidence just isn’t there. The confidence and the swagger when he walked through the doors at Old Trafford isn’t there right now.
“The ball gets to him and the Sancho I know and have seen… get him on the corner of the box and you’re in dreamland. But then he’s just coming back out and playing back and recycling the ball. This isn’t you man.”
Sancho had an underwhelming debut season in Manchester. The 22-year-old failed to replicate the form he showed in Germany in his first campaign back in England.
With the arrival of Erik ten Hag, the winger had a promising pre-season. The forward has been better under the Dutch manager. However, in recent weeks, the former Dortmund star’s impact in a red shirt has dwindled.
In 14 appearances this season in all competitions, Sancho has scored three goals and provided two assists. While he has been brilliant at times, the 22-year-old’s inconsistency has frustrated fans.
Against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford, the forward was electric. He created several chances and set up Fred for the opening goal of the game. The Red Devils eventually won 2-0.
However, in the next fixture after the Spurs match against Chelsea, Sancho looked devoid of ideas in the final third. He was subbed off just before the hour mark by Ten Hag.
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Will Sancho be able to rediscover the scintillating form that compelled the Old Trafford side to sign him? Only time will tell. However, opportunities are scarce when you are at a big club like United.