Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic was full of praise for Jadon Sancho while highlighting Manchester United’s combination play following Monday’s 3-2 pre-season defeat in the USA.
Erik ten Hag’s bumbling backline put the ‘Sin’ in Sin City during their clash with the Bundesliga giants in Las Vegas, gifting Dortmund three highly-avoidable goals during an error-strewn display which had the demanding Dutchman bemoaning the lack of ‘standards’ at full-time.
There were, at least, positives at take from Manchester United’s display at the other end of the pitch. Two assists for Donny Van de Beek on the back of his Lyon stunner last week, a well-placed finish from Antony, a Diogo Dalot rocket, and another lively outing in what has been a promising pre-season for Jadon Sancho.
Leading the line once again in his new-look ‘false nine’ role, Sancho produced the sort of performance more reminiscent of his days in Dortmund’s yellow and black shirt against his old employers; direct and dangerous. Quick-witted and quick-footed.
And Terzic, who guided Dortmund to the brink of the Bundesliga title last term, is hoping to see his former charge kick on and make a success of his third season as a Manchester United player.
Ex-Dortmund star Jadon Sancho impresses in Man United defeat
“Jadon has been doing magic with us long enough to know his qualities. Jadon is a fantastic boy,” Terzic tells Kicker. “He was happy to see us. We were happy to see him.
“We wish him all the best for the upcoming season at Manchester United.”
With a full pre-season behind him, and with a new role which Ten Hag believes should make best use of his supreme technical ability and his creative vision, Sancho looks well placed to finally live up to his lofty price-tag. Especially once paired with a classic number nine in the shape of Rasmus Hojlund.
MORE UNITED STORIES
Terzic, meanwhile, was pleased to see his Dortmund side come out on top in a ‘very intense’ game, United going toe-to-toe with their high-pressing, hard-running opponents.
“It was a very intense game with a lot of chances for both sides,” the BVB boss adds. “You could see how well they can combine in tight spaces, especially in the first half.
“If you don’t close the centre, it will be difficult to stop them. Despite that, we managed not to allow many clear chances to score before the break.
“It was a good and important test for us. We are very happy with that.”