Jadon Sancho’s DREAM debut for Chelsea

Carlo Garganese

• 15 Sept 2024 10:37 BST
• 4 min read

Jadon Sancho enjoyed the dream debut for Chelsea on Saturday evening.

Sancho was introduced at half time in the Premier League match at Bournemouth with Chelsea struggling and lucky to be at 0-0 after a first half penalty miss by the hosts.

The new Chelsea signing completely changed the game, earning the man of the match award and assisting Christopher Nkunku’s winner with four minutes to go to clinch a crucial 1-0 win.

“I've been working hard for this moment and I'm just happy that I got my chance,” Sancho said after the game.

“I’m very happy here. I have to thank all the staff and my team-mates. The first day I came in, they made me feel welcome and I'm so happy to feel this comfortable.

Manager Enzo Maresca said of Sancho at full time: "I have a feeling that Jadon is a guy that needs love.

“This is what I thought when I spoke with him before he joined us. Also I know he has the desire to show the player he is, but for me, it is just to enjoy football".

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024: All the Done Deals

The England international's Manchester United nightmare came to an end on an 11th-hour Deadline Day loan deal.

The 24-year-old, who had been keen to leave Man Utd after once again finding himself on the outside looking in, joined Chelsea on an initial loan that is almost guaranteed to become permanent for €25 million to €30m next summer. The west London side will automatically sign Sancho long term if they finish higher than 15th in the Premier League.

READ MORE: The latest Man Utd injuries and team news

Sancho troubles at Man Utd

Sancho joined Man Utd from Dortmund for €85 million in the summer of 2021.

But he was a major disappointment at Old Trafford.

He scored just 12 goals in 82 appearances for United and was regularly a bench player during his time at the club.

Earlier last season, Sancho was frozen out of the squad at Man Utd.

It came after manager Erik ten Hag criticised Sancho publicly for his poor performances in training, which was followed by the winger essentially calling his manager a liar on social media.

Sancho was not called up again after this incident and was barred from training with the first team, as well as using their facilities and canteen.

Sancho was also deleted from the team’s WhatsApp group by Ten Hag.

United transfer listed him and then sent him on loan to Dortmund in January where he rediscovered some of his form and helped the club to the Champions League final where they lost to Real Madrid.

He subsequently joined Chelsea this summer and he has had a good start.