Chelsea treatment shows why Ten Hag lost Sancho at Man Utd

Updated: 17 Sep 2024 05:11 CDT
4 min read

Erik ten Hag, Jadon Sancho, Man Utd — © IMAGO

Enzo Maresca could be the man to get the best out of Jadon Sancho after his impressive Chelsea debut, leaving Erik ten Hag rueing the way things turned out for the player at Manchester United.

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Sancho came off the bench for Chelsea last weekend to assist Christopher Nkunku’s winner, with the debutant praised for his exertion and direct play in a tight affair against Bournemouth.

The 24-year-old joined Chelsea on deadline day this summer, with his loan likely to eventually be turned into a permanent deal for around €25 million, particularly if his performances continue to progress.

And Sancho appears to be learning from past mistakes off the pitch, with GIVEMESPORT claiming the ex-Dortmund star has made a ‘real impression’ at Chelsea with his commitment to training and warm attitude towards staff at Cobham.

Sancho’s initial fall-out with Ten Hag originated from an apparent lack of effort in training but the England international is said to already have been ‘struck’ by Maresca’s man management.

Maresca is understood to have told Sancho that he has a clean slate and that there will be no looking back on his time at Old Trafford, giving the forward a clean break from Ten Hag to help him revitalise his career with Chelsea.

© IMAGO - Jadon Sancho impressed on his Chelsea debut

Sancho ready to prove Ten Hag wrong

Sancho is also thought to open to playing on both flanks, directly in contrast to some reports during his time at United where he voiced his dissatisfaction at playing on the right wing.

With Chelsea’s season potentially set to contain as many as 70 matches, Maresca is aware that rotation and flexibility will be key for his squad across the campaign.

The Italian boss has been encouraged by the versatility of Sancho and Noni Madueke to swap wings, allowing Cole Palmer to play in his preferred role more centrally.

Sancho is already believed to have built a close bond with Nkunku and that, coupled with Maresca’s assurances of a fresh start, have prompted a new-found positive attitude from the United loanee.

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However, Sancho’s talent has never been in question and he has often started strong when there is a point to prove, but Chelsea’s priority will be ensuring that his efforts do not drop over the coming months.

For Sancho, there will be an element of wanting to prove Ten Hag and United wrong, while also being aware that a failed stint at Stamford Bridge could end his Premier League career if he does let his standards slip after a bright start.