Manchester United transfer news as Jadon Sancho handed reason to showcase talent at Aston Villa after two years of struggles
Jamie Carragher and Paul Scholes agree on Jadon Sancho Man United verdict
Jamie Carragher and Paul Scholes agree on Jadon Sancho Man United verdict
(Image: The Overlap)
Paul Scholes and Jamie Carragher have raised questions over the quality of Jadon Sancho after he completed a season-long loan move from Manchester United to Aston Villa.
Sancho joined Villa on deadline day last week after being placed in the 'bomb squad' at Old Trafford by Ruben Amorim. The winger has spent the past season-and-a-half away from United and will now look to return to his best at Villa.
He spent the second half of the 2023/24 season on loan at Borussia Dortmund before joining Chelsea last summer. Despite helping them win the Conference League and qualify for the Champions League, the Blues opted to pay a £5million penalty fee to cancel their permanent option.
Now, Sancho will be hoping to finally recover his form from his Dortmund days, where he scored 50 goals in 137 matches. However, Carragher has questioned his overall ability at the top level.
"It's funny with Jadon Sancho," he said on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet. "Back when he was at Borussia Dortmund, Gary Neville and I were on a show where we had to pick an England squad.
"We hadn't seen too much of him - he was doing well in the Champions League, but we left him out. Everyone on social media was saying, 'How can you not pick Sancho?'
"I'm still not sure there's that much ability there. He's okay, but I don't really see what his standout quality is. With Marcus Rashford, even though I've criticised him, I can picture his pace, his shooting, his free-kicks, the power he puts into the ball.
"With Sancho, I just don't know what his thing is - I can't picture it in my head."
Jadon Sancho playing for Manchester United
Jadon Sancho last played for Manchester United in the 2024 Community Shield
Scholes, speaking on the same show, went on to question Villa's decision to take a punt on him. "[Unai] Emery might be good for him, but he is a weird signing," he said.
"We talked about the size of the pitch might be an issue for him, Villa Park is massive. A lack of pace, a lack of legs, it concerns you. He has got ability, but what are his strengths?
"Does he cut inside and smash it in the top corner? Can he beat a man? He possibly links with a centre forward.
"He probably has the skill to go past someone, but they catch him. He can't go on again."
Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.