It is a sad indictment of Jadon Sancho’s Manchester United career that just one year ago today, the player was hailed by all parties after scoring against FC Sheriff and dedicating his celebration to a fan.
The English winger, who joined the club from Borussia Dortmund back in 2021 for a fee in the region of £73 million, looked to be back to his best when he scored a superb solo goal with his left foot in the Europa League, but the good run didn’t continue.
Sancho actually had a good start to last season. He scored against Liverpool in the momentous win at Old Trafford and also in the tight 1-0 win against Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium.
After his goal in the UEFA Europa League, his good form tailed off and he was sent to the Netherlands to improve his mental health and indeed his fitness before he made an emotional return.
But, a lot can change in a year and so It has transpired.
Sancho’s year of change
As mentioned, a lot can change in football and a lot has changed for the 23-year-old winger.
A year to the day that he scored that sumptuous goal in Europe for United he is now banished and training away from the first-team squad, according to The Athletic.
Sancho’s goal against Sheriff led to his celebration which involved taking off one of his shinpads and pointing it toward the camera, which was given to him by a fan.
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It was a poignant moment for Sancho as it seemed he was finally proving his worth to United, a year on from signing for the club.
Can Sancho get back to those levels
At a time, it seemed that Erik ten Hag and Sancho were a match made in heaven.
Following his return to the team from his extended break, Sancho changed his profile picture to an image of himself and Ten Hag together.
The pair seemed close but that sounds a long way off now. Sancho’s reported refusal to apologise to the Dutchman has meant he is now out in the cold.
Unless the 23-year-old has a change of heart then it seems unlikely the pair will mend this rift that looks set to end Sancho’s time in Manchester after just two years.