Four reasons why Man Utd must keep Jadon Sancho at all costs

Jacque Talbot

• 5 Jan 2024 08:30 CST
• 3 min read

Jadon Sancho has been out of action ever since he revolted against Erik ten Hag.

The Manchester United head coach called out the youngster after a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal early in the season, to which Sancho retorted with a social media post, suggesting that the Dutchman had made him a ‘scapegoat.’

Ten Hag demanded an apology from Sancho but none had been forthcoming, so he has remained out of action for a considerable period this season, playing just 76 minutes of football this season.

Now it appears that Sancho is heading back to Borussia Dortmund on a loan deal. But is this the sensible option for Man Utd? Here are a few reasons why the club ought to keep the attacker.

The highest ceiling of any Man Utd player

According to SciSports, Sancho can reach the highest development of any player among the Red Devils side. The player has fallen out of favour recently, while his tenure at Old Trafford, in general, has been atrocious, but given his young age and how well he did for Borussia Dortmund, he still offers huge potential to any club who wants him.

Erik ten Hag may leave Man Utd

While Ten Hag is around Sancho will not be offered a way back into the side (unless he decides to apologise, of course). But if the Dutchman does end up leaving his post, with the poor results continuing, then there is a window for Sancho to make a return, and perhaps a new lease of life under a new manager.

With Ineos now coming in to take over football operations, it's very possible that, down the line, they will not see Ten Hag as a suitable fit, paving the way for a Sancho return.

Sancho is much better than Antony

Antony has had a terrible season for the club. He is arguably the biggest flop in the club’s history, with £85million spent on his transfer from Ajax in 2022. It’s been a painful tenure for the winger, who is unable to create or score for his side.

Despite Sancho’s poor form, he is a far superior player to the Brazilian, who has so far struggled in the Premier League. Yes, Antony is a hard worker, and there is something to be said for that, but the fact is Sancho would have provided more goal contributions than the club’s second-most expensive transfer.

Potentially to save wasted transfer fee

Sancho cost a huge £73m from Dortmund. It was a deal that took years in the making - there were countless false dawns until eventually, he joined in 2021. Obviously, it’s been an awful first few seasons, but there still is an opportunity to see it right, otherwise, his contract will run down and he will be out of the door on a free transfer.