Borussia Dortmund are laughing at Manchester United but Jadon Sancho is like Paul Pogba – and Erik ten Hag was right about Cristiano Ronaldo

11 months ago 84
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Simon Jordan believes Jadon Sancho’s return to Borussia Dortmund underlines a culture that has been allowed to manifest at Manchester United.

The 23-year-old winger sealed a loan move to the Bundesliga side on Thursday which runs until the end of the season, after falling out of favour with United boss Erik ten Hag.

Sancho is back at Borussia Dortmund hoping to reignite his career after barely featuring for Man United this season

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Sancho is back at Borussia Dortmund hoping to reignite his career after barely featuring for Man United this season

The pair became embroiled in a public spat after Ten Hag dropped Sancho from the squad to play Arsenal in September, citing poor performance in training.

The £73million signing from Dortmund in 2021, has not featured for United since, after firing back at his manager for what he described as false claims.

Dortmund have Sancho at their disposal until the end of the season but while some may see the German club as huge beneficiaries of the conflict, Jordan says the wider footballing community will see things differently.

“I don’t think anyone is particularly impressed,” Jordan told talkSPORT. “Dortmund might be because they’ve got this relationship with him historically. 

“They’ve already trousered £70million from Manchester United and they are getting him back for a fraction of his wages.

“Dortmund have got no skin in this game but those in football will say ‘I’m not quite sure about this player'.”

Sancho is yet to find his feet at Manchester United despite periods of encouraging form. 

But it underlines a more pressing issue as to why high-profile signings such as Sancho, Paul Pogba, Alexis Sanchez and Antony have all struggled to make the required impact at the club.

Pogba has not reignited his career at Juventus and finds himself embroiled with off-field problems

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Pogba has not reignited his career at Juventus and finds himself embroiled with off-field problemsCredit: Getty

The ex-Crystal Palace owner went on to shed light on United's problems, using Pogba and Sanchez as examples of poor business.

Both players arrived at Old Trafford with huge reputations but did not live up to the billing and continue to struggle after their departures.

Kieron Dyer recalls Jadon Sancho ‘red flag’ during FA Youth Cup clash with Reece James following winger's loan move to Borussia Dortmund

“It’s based upon two things,” said Jordan. “Who’s to blame for this culture Man United have allowed to develop inside the football club that engenders players with a belief system they can behave the way they do.

“The recruitment policy that’s recruiting players that are clearly not fit for purpose and the fact that Ten Hag is trying to change the direction of travel and is having to break some serious eggs to make an omelette."

Jordan added: "They sign big-name players on paper, with big attitudes and big outlooks, who are not the right fit for the football club.

"Pogba was let go by Man United for a reason. Look at him now. Look at where Sanchez went and what he did.

"He chose Man United because they offered more money than Man City. Once upon a time, you chose Man United because of the fabric of the football club. They've allowed the culture to deteriorate."

Meanwhile, England legend Stuart Pearce compared the situation to Ten Hag's treatment of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The manager fell out with the football icon and allowed him to join Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr in December 2022.

Pearce said: "The manager is looking at the whole picture. The individual just sees himself. For me, it is always the player.

Ten Hag stuck to his guns over Ronaldo

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Ten Hag stuck to his guns over RonaldoCredit: AFP

"Let's go back a couple of years when Ten Hag took that stance with Ronaldo. He made the right judgement call. Or when he left Marcus Rashford out for being late for training.

"I applauded him and I still do now. It's his job as a manager."

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