‘We need him’: One manager is ‘very happy’ to welcome maligned United man who’s tipped to play a ‘key’ role

Despite burying the hatchet with Erik ten Hag at the beginning of pre-season, Jadon Sancho went on to sign for Chelsea on deadline day.

The 24-year-old joined the Blues on a season-long loan, after which they will be expected to activate his obligation to-buy clause.

Given that the deal got over the line right at the wire, Sancho hadn’t been registered in time to feature in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace before the international break. When club action resumes, he’ll be vying for a starting spot along with the abundance of outfield players at Enzo Maresca’s disposal.

As for Manchester United, they didn’t feel the need to acquire coverage when Sancho departed, which really just sums up the role he’s played at Old Trafford since making the move in 2021; his absence made no impact on the squad after last season’s fallout, and he was able to depart again this term without any concerns over there being one less attacking option.

Read more: United’s ‘pure talent’ has already shown Ten Hag in just 171 minutes why he must be a concrete starter

Maresca reacts to Sancho signing

Maresca, who hasn’t been shy with outcasting players such as Raheem Sterling and Trevoh Chalobah since he took the reins, has expressed his delight after welcoming the Englishman to Stamford Bridge, saying: “I’m very happy to have Sancho at Chelsea.

“He’s here because we like that knd of player who can help in 1vs1s. He’s key, especially against a low block. We need him.”