It is all change at one of European football’s biggest clubs this summer. And, this time, we are not referring to Manchester United.
While the much-desired host of departures may not have come to fruition as of yet – Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof and Scott McTominay all still at Erik ten Hag’s disposal – do not underestimate the number of differences between this Manchester United and the one Ineos inherited when they completed their partial takeover in the spring.
An all-new boardroom, a revamped backroom staff, and a couple of massively exciting signings through the door in Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro.
But, on the other hand, the Man United XI that takes to the pitch during Saturday’s Community Shield meeting with Man City will look rather familiar.
Manchester United hand fresh start to Jadon Sancho
With Yoro out injured, Zirkzee is the only new face in line for a full debut.
Ten Hag said last week that Zirkzee would be an option against City, the Dutchman potentially thrust straight into the team due to Rasmus Hojlund’s own absence.
The Man United boss also opened up the possibility of Jadon Sancho being fielded in the ‘false nine’ role that worked wonders for the Red Devils during May’s FA Cup final triumph over their blue-clad neighbours.
Sancho has fulfilled those duties impressively in pre-season. He may also be fitter and sharper than Zirkzee, the latter only returning to Carrington a week ago due to his involvement in the European Championships.
Missed at Borussia Dortmund
Sancho is back at United after a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund in the second half of last term.
A Dortmund side who’s changes – both on and off the pitch – arguably exceed those made by Man United at the start of the Ineos era.
New sporting director Lars Ricken has barely had time to sleep since his appointment.
Four of the players who started that Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid have gone – including Sancho – as well as the coach who took them there in Edin Terzic.
“They were very turbulent,” Ricken tells Kicker of his first few months in the BVB boardroom, having begun work at the start of May.
“With Mats Hummels and Marco Reus, we lost two figures who were key players for us and who stood for many years, as well as two absolutely quality players in Jadon Sancho and Ian Maatsen.
“Then our coach decided not to continue. That meant a new coach came (Nuri Sahin) with his entire coaching staff.
Ricken, a Champions League winner with Dortmund in 1997, at the expense of United in the semi-finals that year, adds: “We also have a new constellation in the sporting management, so there was obviously a lot to do. The main focus now was on transfer planning and squad planning. That took up a lot of time and was very challenging, but I believe that we are a good team and it makes you want more.”
Despite that unseemly row now being water under the proverbial bridge, Sancho’s Manchester United future is still far from certain heading into the final few weeks of the window.
Rumours linking him with Paris Siant-Germain continue to persist, potentially opening the door for Manuel Ugarte to move in the other direction.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
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