Manchester United’s head of academy Nick Cox has been speaking to The Athletic about his Jadon Sancho connection.
Cox, who took up a job at Manchester United in 2016, was promoted to his new role as academy chief in 2019.
He has played a key role in the rise of young talents like Mason Greenwood and Shola Shoretire, who has recently made the first team breakthrough.
Cox previously spent 12 years with Watford and during his time there he got to know a young Jadon Sancho, before he was snapped up by Manchester City, and went on to join Dortmund.
The United chief said: “Did I know he would play for England and a top team in Europe? Of course I didn’t. Did I know he was a good player? Yes. We tried to help him be the best he could be. He was a young kid who absolutely loved football; addicted to it.”
He said he could not get involved with potential transfer dealings, adding: “Maybe I should be using that relationship to our advantage. But I’m not because it’s against the rules, of course!”
It won’t hurt United’s cause that Sancho would see a familiar face behind the scenes if he did sign for the club. Seeing Cox would help him feel more at home, should he join United.
Sancho also knows Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire from the England set up, and Paul Pogba, who he recently starred with in a Pepsi advert.
Will United go for Sancho?
Dortmund did get through in the Champions League last night, bettering Sevilla, but they are struggling for form in the Bundesliga.
Currently they sit in sixth place, four points behind fourth spot and Champions League qualification.
Dortmund’s finances are already badly impacted by the pandemic and they could be forced to cash in on Sancho, Champions League or not.
Sport1 reported Dortmund would likely accept a reduced fee for the winger this summer.
With United’s defence improving lately, there is more chance of the club investing money in attack. Sancho has picked up form lately, with 12 goals and 12 assists this season. It’s hard to see the club passing up the opportunity to sign him.
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