According to Evening Standard, Manchester United manager, Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer has reluctantly accepted that their pursuit of Jadon Sancho is apparently “out of reach”. The Borussia Dortmund is currently one of Europe’s hottest prospects and was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer.
But, now it seems unlikely Sancho will depart Dortmund, with Manchester United already settling for Swansea City star Daniel James. And this could potentially serve as a massive blow for the Red Devils as they aim to compete with the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur next season.
Sancho’s rapid rise to prominence
A product of the Manchester City youth academy, Sancho joined Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2017. The youngster was brought in for a fee of only €7 million. He made 12 league appearances during his debut campaign in the Bundesliga.
But, it was the 2018/19 campaign, where he rose into prominence, making 34 appearances and playing a pivotal role to Dortmund’s excellent season that saw them finish second in the league table. He scored 12 goals and registered 17 assists, ending the campaign as the second most productive player in the Bundesliga, just behind league’s top scorer Robert Lewandowski.
Why Sancho would have been an ideal signing for Manchester United
Sancho’s style of play would have made him a tailor-made fit for the attack-oriented gameplay Manchester United have implemented under the tutelage of Solskjaer.
The 19-year-old loves to take on defenders, having completed most successful dribbles than anyone else in the league by a considerable margin. Indeed, his quick feet and clever footwork would have given United the upper hand, especially when probing the opposition.
Also, the Dortmund star is blessed with an electric pace that makes him a scourge for the defenders on the counter. This, in turn, would have made United a much more dangerous team on the break, especially with the likes of Marcus Rashford and Daniel James accompanying him in attack.
Sancho is also a smart operator in the final third, who can easily create chances and open up the opposition defence. His tally of 64 key passes is sixth best in the league and indicative of his excellent chance creation.
However, what makes Sancho such an appealing target for Manchester United is the youthful exuberance he can provide to the table. At the age of 19, the English international could tune in well with Solskjaer’s apparent plan of rebuilding the United side with young players.
Therefore, it’s probably fair to say that Sancho would have been the ideal solution to Manchester United’s shortcomings in the attacking department this summer. And the Red Devils must definitely keep an eye on his progress at Dortmund next season as the Black and Yellows look to challenge Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
