Rangnick's faith in Sancho is finally beginning to pay off

Stefan Bienkowski

• 12 Feb 2022 15:49 GMT
• 3 min read

Ralf Ragnick didn’t have much to be grateful for after his Manchester United side were held by Southampton to a drab 1-1 draw in the Premier League.

However, one topic that did bring a smile to the Old Trafford boss’ face was the mention of Jadon Sancho.

The England international popped up to score the only goal for the home side on the day and Rangnick is confident that he’s getting better with every week.

"This is the Jadon Sancho I know from the Bundesliga and the way he is playing at the moment is the best Jadon Sancho we have seen for Man Utd,” said the German tactician.

Sancho finally showing some form

Of course, there is a reason why Rangnick was so delighted for Sancho in particular. Since arriving at the club, the former Borussia Dortmund star has featured in nine of the new manager’s first 12 games in charge.

This is undoubtedly in stark contrast to Sancho’s situation under the previous manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who rarely used Sancho unless he was really forced to. And fortunately for Rangnick, his belief in the young winger is certainly beginning to pay off.

In the last three games alone, Sancho has popped up with two goals alone and in the third match - another drab 1-1 draw, this time with Burnley - the left winger was perhaps Man Utd’s best player on the pitch.

Man Utd in need of inspiration up front

Of course, Sancho’s up-turn in form couldn’t be coming at a better moment for the club, as Rangnick’s other forwards have all seemingly decided to lose any kind of clinical touch in front of goal.

In the last four games alone, the Old Trafford giants have only managed to muster four goals, with Sancho scoring no less than two of them.

Indeed, Cristiano Ronaldo has now gone six appearances without scoring a goal and the next top goalscorer in the team is Bruno Fernandes, with just seven goals from 31 games.