Jadon Sancho has shared his feelings on his return to Manchester United after being exiled from the squad following a dispute with manager Erik ten Hag last season.
A public clash with the Dutchman led to the winger being frozen out of the first-team squad last year having played only three matches for the Red Devils at the start of the 2023/24 campaign.
He was then shipped out to Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund in January, registering 21 appearances and three goals for the Bundesliga side.
Sancho has since returned to his parent club, featuring in United’s pre-season tour of the United States. His most recent outing came on Sunday in the club’s 3-0 loss to Liverpool, during which the England international played a major role in attack.
He has now reflected on his highly-anticipated return to the team, saying he is happy to be back playing.
“Definitely, 100 per cent. 100 per cent, yes,” he told MUTV. “It’s been nice, enjoying the weather, back with the lads, it’s been good. I love the facilities in America.
“Obviously when I have time off, I usually come to America. This is actually one of the places I do train before pre-season so it’s nice to be back. I wouldn’t say it’s home but yes, it’s a nice facility.”
While United have toyed with the idea of selling Sancho this summer, Ten Hag could also choose to utilise him in the upcoming campaign.
The Dutchman has considered playing the 24-year-old in a more advanced role in the absence of another striker.
“That is what we can do if we don’t have the availability of Rasmus,” he said while on tour with the Red Devils.
“But of course, Joshua Zirkzee, he is coming in, he has started training, but also consider that he is not so long in training, so that will take time, and he has to adapt to English football and our way of playing as well.
“But there is also, of course, Jadon, as a striker. We know he can play in wide areas, but also as a false striker, he’s an option.”
United kick off their 2024/25 Premier League campaign against Fulham on Friday 16 August but will first face rivals Manchester City in the FA Community Shield.
What we know
- Jadon Sancho has returned to Man Utd after a half-season loan at Borussia Dortmund
- Winger could play advanced role in the absence of a striker
- English star reflects on his return to the Red Devils.