Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes Jadon Sancho has the credentials to become a prolific goalscorer for the club in future.
The England international joined the club from Borussia Dortmund in July 2021, and had a tough debut season in the Premier League with just three goals and three assists.
He has started the current season in a more livelier fashion with two goals from five league games, and Ten Hag was delighted for him after yesterday’s winner at Leicester City.
Speaking after the 1-0 win, Ten Hag highlighted that the 22-year-old had a good pre-season and he has the chance to reap rewards after working on the physical side of his game.
He said via Manchester Evening News: “I think he had quite a good pre-season. He understands now he has to invest in the physical and that is what he did and now he can get the reward and that is what he has to bring. I’m sure it’s the start for him.
“With his potential, there’s much more room for improvement, he can be even more important and contribute with his creativity and scoring goals and assists. With the defending part, he can be even more important.”
When pressed on whether Sancho can become a prolific goalscorer, the Dutch tactician added that he has the skillset and needs to be adapt mentally and physically to hit his previous heights in Bundesliga.
He added: “Yes, I think he can. He has the capabilities and he did it also in a different league, but this is Premier League, so the intensity is higher, so he has to adapt to that, mentally and physically. The capabilities are there, the skills.”
United are finally getting the best out of Sancho
Sancho had a difficult debut campaign by his high standards. He was fancied to make regular goal contributions from the right wing, but looked a shadow of himself last season.
The added intensity of the Premier League was definitely one of the prime reasons. At the start of the year, he seemed to be finding his feet and now looks ready to make a big impression.
He has scored in two of the club’s three victories this term. Sancho looks much more assured and confident from the right flank. It remains to be seen whether he carries on from the role.
United recently confirmed another big-money signing in Antony from Ajax. The Brazilian is a specialist right winger and Ten Hag has acknowledged that could be his position at United.
Sancho is also comfortable operating from the left flank. The England star could feature regularly from that position when Ten Hag decides that Antony is fit and ready for a starting spot.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
