Rio Ferdinand claims Jadon Sancho ‘will be like a new signing’ for Manchester United after returning from a three-month break to focus on his mental health… as he insists the winger ‘is a threat to any team’ when he is in top form.
- Jadon Sancho returns to Manchester United squad after three-month layoff
- The 22-year-old winger took some time off to focus on his mental health
- Now he is back and Rio Ferdinand believes he could be a key player for United
Rio Ferdinand believes Jadon Sancho could be a major asset for Manchester United in the second half of the season following his return to the first team.
Sancho has struggled to find his best form since his £73m move to Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund in July 2021 and has trained away from his team-mates during and after the World Cup amid concerns over his mental and his physical well-being.
He returned to the matchday squad after a three-month absence for United’s Carabao Cup second leg against Nottingham Forest last week, playing just under half an hour off the bench.
With Sancho now back in the fold, Ferdinand believes he has plenty to offer United if he can start replicating the performances he put in for Dortmund.
“Jadon Sancho is back in the Manchester United squad and if he can get back to playing at his best he will be a new signing for the club,” said Ferdinand. William Hill.
Jadon Sancho made his first appearance in three months for Man United last week
Rio Ferdinand believes Sancho could play a big role in the second half of the season
“If you get someone like him, with the talent he has, playing at his best, he’s a threat to any team – his ability to cause problems for defenders.”
The Red Devils are still in four competitions and face a congested fixture list between now and the end of the season.
Erik ten Hag has taken a cautious approach to Sancho’s playing time and the 22-year-old was an unused substitute against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
However, Ferdinand expects Sancho to get his chance sooner rather than later.
In the short term, it also makes United much more competitive overall. “United’s bench in the last month has not been at its strongest, so the return of Sancho gives Erik ten Hag a new option to turn to in the coming weeks,” added Ferdinand.
“He didn’t come into the game against Crystal Palace on Saturday, but the manager will turn to him in the coming weeks so he gets opportunities to build some form.”
Sancho could make his first league appearance since October when United host Leeds in the Premier League on Wednesday.
Sancho looks set to get more chances to play as United face a busy fixture list
