Jadon Sancho is currently on loan at Aston Villa from Manchester United, but the winger's future is uncertain
Jadon Sancho of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa at Selhurst Park on January 07, 2026 in London, England.
Jadon Sancho of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa at Selhurst Park on January 07, 2026 in London, England.
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Jadon Sancho(Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Michael Carrick holds Jadon Sancho in high regard following their close working relationship during his initial caretaker stint at Manchester United back in 2021. The former United skipper has returned to an interim managerial position at the club for the remainder of the campaign after Ruben Amorim's dismissal.
With only the Premier League remaining as a priority, Carrick is expected to assess some of the overlooked Red Devils currently out on loan. Among them is Sancho, who is presently playing for rivals Aston Villa.
Villa currently occupy third spot in the league standings following an impressive opening half to the season. Yet Sancho has contributed little to this success, having made only seven starts across 28 appearances for the club.
The winger has failed to register a Premier League goal or assist for his temporary side - but scored in a 1-0 win at Fenerbahce in the Europa League. Earlier loan stints at former club Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea enabled the 25 year old to rediscover some confidence, though he has scarcely featured in a United shirt since his public falling-out with former manager Erik ten Hag.
Nevertheless, the sidelined winger could potentially secure a route back to Old Trafford via Carrick, who spoke positively about Sancho during his first temporary appointment in 2021. After Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's departure, the former midfielder assumed caretaker duties, achieving two victories and one draw from three matches, reports the Mirror.
Sancho found the back of the net in Carrick's first game at the helm, a Champions League match away to Villarreal which United clinched 2-0. The interim boss was full of praise for the young winger afterward as he said: "To finish it off, Jadon was brilliant.
"I know how much Jadon loves having the ball at his feet and trying to make things happen, it's where he's happiest.
"But on the other side of the game, he put a real effort into defence and it was a big night for him." Highlighting his significance in the game, Carrick added: "I was so pleased for Jadon.
"I thought he worked his socks off tonight, I thought he gave everything tonight.
"At times, it wasn't always with the ball and I know how much he enjoys having the ball at his feet and trying to make things happen.
"He showed a different side tonight and, to get his goal at the end, pretty much capped it off perfectly for him and for us. ".
These comments underscore the potential Carrick saw in Sancho in 2021 and may hint at a possible return to form for the winger at the club. United could let the 25 year old leave on a free in the summer when his contract expires.
It is understood that United are leaning towards cutting their losses with the winger to avoid paying his salary for another year if he is not wanted.
Nevertheless, Carrick's impact could prove crucial in engineering a comeback for the overlooked player - or perhaps making him a more appealing prospect to interested clubs.
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