It seems Erik ten Hag still has to figure out how to get the best out of Jadon Sancho in the winger’s third season at Man Utd.
Erik ten Hag’s first summer at Manchester United could be useful in showing that one can’t read too much into pre-season performances or results as – despite being fantastic across their first summer matches last year – United began the Premier League season with two humiliating defeats.
A good set of pre-summer performances – as well as individual performances – often, if not usually, counts for nothing when the real league competitive action kicks off. In United’s case, Sancho and Anthony Martial were irresistible in the pre-season warm-up matches but were soon sidelined when the real competitive football began.
United fans can again be excused for ooh-ing and aah-ing over Sancho’s latest impressive pre-season displays while in reality he is in the same position as he was a year ago.
Despite Ten Hag appearing to be cautioning restraint, it could still turn out to be an encouraging summer for the winger who captivated audiences with his scintillating displays at Borussia Dortmund. Although his leading the line for United on Sunday rather than Saturday is a possible hint Sancho still needs to get a lot more hard work done before the manager is fully convinced about letting him back in fully.
Sancho undoubtedly stood out above all in the draw with Athletic Club in Dublin with his delightfully captivating movement and mobility in the forward ranks. He clearly made a compelling case as to why he should lead the line in the Premier League opener against Wolves.
The runs he made in attack and the way he stretched the opposition’s defence with his intelligent movements were particularly promising, a reflection of that is regaining his earlier Bundesliga confidence. This was clearly demonstrated when he felt comfortable enough to attempt to strike with his weaker left foot when a right-footed strike appeared obvious, hence missing his golden goal opportunity.
Ten Hag should for also all the right reasons also be impressed with Sancho’s defensive work as he not only pressed from the front but also tracked back to try and win the ball whenever his side was out of possession.
The dilemma is only where he would best fit in as Sancho had been signed by Solskjaer earlier to solve the right-wing issues but has played his best football on the left, a position that is already occupied by the talented likes of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.
The frontline? Yet the new plan bging hatched is for Rasmus Hojlund to lead the attack once he is injury-free and settled into his new surroundings.
Another possible role for Sancho is one that he is unlikely to fill is that of a central attacking midfielder with his fine passing and dribbling skills. It’s a role he actually revelled and shone in during his time at Borussia Dortmund, and it certainly seems to suit his style of play a lot better than playing as a traditional winger.
Unfortunately, that particular role is hogged by club captain Bruno Fernandes. Summer signing Mason Mount has also enjoyed tremendous success in that role in his career so it is likely that Sancho might once again be the third or fourth choice for arguably his most influential position.
Be as it may, this summer has once again proven that Sancho is a genuine worthy player for the United side, though once again, the ultimate question is where Ten Hag could fit him into. a