Jadon Sancho's Man Utd debut impacted by Rashford injury

Nicholas Hughes

• 30 Jul 2021 13:50 BST
• 5 min read

Jadon Sancho could be in line to make his Manchester United debut on the left-hand side with Marcus Rashford ruled out of the Premier League opener due to injury.

The club confirmed on Friday that Rashford would have an operation to rectify an ongoing shoulder issue that has been troubling the 23-year-old since November last year.

“Following consultation between Marcus, the manager, club medical staff and specialists, Marcus will undergo surgery imminently to resolve his shoulder injury. He will now focus on his rehabilitation in order to return as soon as possible,” a club statement declared.

Rashford played 57 games in all competitions for United last season before featuring five times for England at the Euros, all off the bench.

This injury could result in a slight change of thinking surrounding big summer signing Sancho as he could be asked to line up on the left in Rashford’s absence.

Sancho was more often placed as a right-winger for Dortmund and England when he has played under Gareth Southgate, but is equally adept at playing on the left-hand side or even in central areas.

Sancho rode a slow start to last season to score eight goals with 11 assists in 26 games in the Bundesliga, and he will hope to hit the ground running at Old Trafford.

Sancho, Greenwood, Fernandes and Cavani could line-up together

If he is deployed on the left, it could allow Mason Greenwood to take up a place on the right, with Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavani likely to occupy the central attacking positions.

Paul Pogba was often used on the left of midfield last season and that could be another option for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, though the Frenchman’s future remains up in the air.

Manchester United fans will get their first opportunity to see Sancho in a competitive game when the Red Devils take on Leeds United at Old Trafford in the opening game of the season in two weeks’ time.