Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho faces an uncertain future, with the England international yet to learn if his loan move to Chelsea will ultimately be made permanent
Manchester United outcast Jadon Sancho could have a future in Ruben Amorim’s system, it has been claimed. The England international has spent the season on loan at Chelsea, but his future beyond this season remains uncertain.
Sancho made a loan move to Stamford Bridge at the end of the summer transfer window, with the Blues obligated to make the move permanent for up to £25m if they finish 14th or higher. However, they are reported to have an option to pay United a smaller sum to cancel the permanent deal.
In the early months of the season, it looked like a shrewd bit of business for Chelsea. Sancho delivered three assists in his first three league matches for the club, and later scored in back-to-back wins in December, but his output has been less impressive of late.
After watching Sancho go more than two months without a goal or assist, former Chelsea star William Gallas argued the winger needs to be playing somewhere other than Stamford Bridge next season. “I don’t know what the problem is, but at the moment he can’t stay at Chelsea because he has to do more,” the Frenchman told Stadium Astro.
A return to his parent club might have been impossible with Erik ten Hag still in charge, but the arrival of Amorim may have opened the door. Indeed, one of Sancho’s former coaches can see a way back for the 24-year-old at Old Trafford.
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“Jadon would have to play as a left-sided No.10, I couldn’t see him play as a wing-back,” Dan Micciche, who coached Sancho in England’s youth setup, told The Sun. “Can he play there? Yeah, absolutely. I think he could play for Ruben Amorim in his system.
“It might actually suit him more – in terms of freeing him up. He wouldn’t be hugging the touchline as much, he would in middle of the pitch more and would have more options when he gets the ball.”
United boss Amorim has used a range of players in his two No.10 spots, with Bruno Fernandes occupying one of them when not playing in a deeper role. Amad was regularly used as a 10 before his injury, while Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee have both been given opportunities.
Amorim also used Kobbie Mainoo as a 10 in Europe, and suggested the England international could thrive there when fit. “Now more as a 10, you can feel that he was so free, playing the ball near the box is really good, the small connections,” the Portuguese said.
“We need time to work with the players and understand the best positions for them. Kobbie Mainoo played in a different position, with more freedom, more near the box. He’s so technical, he can change the game there. So, I think it’s a good position for him, we will see. But I’m happy to see Kobbie enjoy the game more.”
Chelsea may yet decide Sancho has a future at Stamford Bridge. If he get sent back to his parent club, though, he may well have a bigger part to play than some might have anticipated back in August.
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