Sancho denies failed Man Utd move has led to dip in form

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 4 min read

Jadon Sancho has bluntly shot down suggestions that his current average form for Dortmund is linked to his failed move to Manchester United in the summer.

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made Sancho known as his main transfer target earlier this year, with the Red Devils expected to make a big-money offer for the former Manchester City youngster, who has developed into one of the most potent forwards in Europe over the past couple of years.

However, United continually attempted to knock the price down during negotiations, with Dortmund remaining firm on their reported £112m (€124m) asking price.

Jadon Sancho – 2019/20 v 2020/21

The move didn’t materialise, and Sancho has subsequently suffered from a dip in form. He says the two as not related, though.

“No, I don’t think so,” he told ITV when asked if the failed United move has impacted his game.

“I feel like every player has a little dip in their career, I feel like I’m going through that at the moment.

“It’s just how I’m bouncing back, I’m just happy to have managers who have faith in me and keep starting me.”

Sancho was speaking after England’s comfortable 3-0 friendly victory against Ireland in which he managed to get his name on the scoresheet. He conceded that he perhaps puts too much pressure on himself.

“I don’t think that [there’s been too much expectation],” he continued.

“I just expect a lot from myself personally. When I play I try and assist, score and help the team. A few games have gone by and I wasn’t scoring or assisting, but today I had the chance to score.”

Sancho was one of the form players in Europe in the 2019/20 season, contributing to 33 goals in the Bundesliga via 17 scored himself plus 16 assists.

In the current campaign, he has two assists to his name in six starts.