Jadon Sancho has impressed since returning to Borussia Dortmund (Image: Getty Images)
When Jadon Sancho lines up for Borussia Dortmund against PSG in the Champions League semi-final, he wants to show struggling Manchester United and under-pressure manager Erik ten Hag what they are missing.
Jadon Sancho, Manchester United’s banished winger, is flourishing on Europe’s top stage while the team comes to terms with not playing in the Champions League next season.
After a falling out with United manager Erik ten Hag, Sancho was sent back to his old team, Borussia Dortmund, on loan until the end of the season. Sancho has contributed to United’s progress to the Champions League semifinals.
Dortmund’s first leg against Paris Saint-Germain takes place on Wednesday night, and Sancho is expected to start and play a major part in the team’s efforts to advance to the final on June 1 at Wembley.
Sancho, who was forced to train away from the first team squad following the breakdown of his relationship with Ten Hag, found liberation in his forced return to Dortmund after his £72 million move to United in 2021.
After making his Dortmund debut in a 3-0 victory over Darmstadt on January 13, Sancho has appeared in 16 of the German team’s 19 games since beginning his second stint at the club. Of the three games he has missed, one was because of an injury, one was because of a muscle issue, and in one he was an unutilized substitute.
When healthy, he basically returns to his old team and becomes a vital member of Dortmund, contributing two assists and three goals while gradually regaining his self-assurance following his forced layoff.
Although Sancho missed four months of the season due to his fallout with Ten Hag, he still managed the same number of goals as United’s Antony, despite not being particularly prolific.
In fact, despite his dismal performance, Sancho was reportedly irritated by Antony’s perceived untouchable status under Ten Hag since he was constantly passed over in favor of the £85 million disaster.
Sancho was exiled by Man Utd boss Erik ten after publicly undermining his authority on social media ( Image: Getty Images)
Despite Edin Terzic’s team’s poor domestic performance this season—they are currently five points behind fourth-place RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga—Sancho has warmly welcomed his return to Dortmund.
His public challenge of Ten Hag, when he took to social media to accuse the United manager of lying about the reason for his exclusion from a match-day squad, has not been linked to any of the alleged indiscipline—that is, poor time-keeping and a lack of application. Although Sancho is still not at his peak, Terzic said it is not shocking given his extended break from competitive action.
Terzic remarked, “Jadon and I both notice he’s not at his absolute best, but that is completely normal for us.” “We were aware of that. However, Jadon consistently demonstrates his exceptional talent in a particular action during each training session. We observe his diligence and the amount of effort he puts into the tasks.
If Ten Hag is replaced this summer, Sancho might be able to return to United under a new manager—that is, if the new boss is prepared to grant the 25-year-old a break. In the event that not, United will try to sell him for up to £40 million.
Sancho has rediscovered his form and confidence following his return to Dortmund on loan ( Image: Alexander Scheuber – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Sancho’s only focus right now is on tonight and helping Dortmund get in a strong position ahead of next week’s crucial return leg in Paris. A spot in England’s Euro 2024 squad is unlikely.
“We just have to concentrate on what’s in front of us and how we want to play in the tie,” Sancho said. “These are the times when humility is necessary. To reach the final, we must put in our best effort. We’ll take it game by game, and I’m just thinking about the next game.”
Sancho’s consolation goal in Dortmund’s 4-1 loss to RB Leipzig last Saturday made Bundesliga history. With his 40th Bundesliga goal, he passed former Cologne, Arsenal, and Nottingham Forest winger Tony Woodcock to become the competition’s highest English scorer.
