Jadon Sancho has hit his stride at Chelsea, causing a headache for Manchester United and Ruben Amorim due to what now seems like a contract oversight.
The 24-year-old's promising career seemed to be stalling after his high-profile transfer to United in July 2022. From securing domestic trophies to earning numerous personal awards with Borussia Dortmund, the young England star looked ready to elevate his career when he moved to Old Trafford.
However, a shaky start escalated into a full-blown crisis as the £73million prodigy found himself ousted from the first team by former United manager Erik ten Hag, following a series of public disagreements. A loan return to Dortmund for the second half of last season appeared to reignite the winger, but he soon found himself back at United and searching for a new club.
Chelsea made waves over the summer with their lavish spending spree exceeding £200m. Enzo Maresca's Transfer Deadline Day loan acquisition of Sancho even went largely unnoticed until the former Manchester City youngster provided an assist for the Blues on his Premier League debut against Bournemouth.
Sancho has made 10 appearances for Maresca's Chelsea this season, contributing two goals and five assists, helping the Blues climb to second place in the Premier League. United manager Amorim may not be too happy that Chelsea have the option to permanently sign Sancho for a reduced fee of between £20-£25m, provided they finish 14th or higher in the league.
Jadon Sancho of Chelsea FC holds the ball during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Stamford Bridge on October 06, 2024
Sancho has hit form at Chelsea this season (Image: Getty Images)
With Chelsea currently in second and 12 points ahead of 13th-placed United, it appears increasingly likely that Amorim won't get the opportunity to work with the winger. Sancho's move to Stamford Bridge initially seemed beneficial for United, but his recent return to form is likely causing some regret at Old Trafford as Amorim searches for a suitable player for his 3-4-3 formation.
Amorim has experimented with various options on the wings, including Amad, Antony, Tyrell Malacia and Diogo Dalot. However, none have provided a satisfactory solution to United's wide problem, and it seems unlikely that Sancho will be the answer.
Despite primarily playing on the left wing for Chelsea, Sancho has also demonstrated his versatility by providing two assists from the right wing during a Europa League match against Bundesliga side Heidenheim. Furthermore, he scored 38 of his 67 goals for Dortmund while playing on the right.
Manchester United's Portuguese head coach Ruben Amorim reacts
Ruben Amorim may not be able to work with Sancho next season (Image: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
After Chelsea's thrilling 4-3 victory over Tottenham, where Sancho played a crucial role including scoring a wonder goal, his coach lavished praise on the winger. "Since we started, the reason why Jadon came here is because we think Jadon is going to help us," Maresca said.
"Unfortunately, he had small problems so he was out for a while. Now he is back and the only thing he has to do is continue in the same way. He cannot drop, otherwise he is not going to play."
Sancho himself expressed finding happiness at Chelsea, disclosing to Super Sport TV: "From day one, they made me feel welcome at Chelsea. I know that I have a lot of people to prove wrong. I've been working very hard. Let me say thank you to the staff and the team for believing in me and giving me the opportunity."
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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