Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho’s displays in pre-season have caught the eye.
The England international was in good form once again during the 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao at the weekend.
Fans on X believe Sancho has been one of the best performers for Erik ten Hag’s side in recent weeks and many are hoping that, after two years, the club are finally seeing the best of him:
Most improved player during pre season.
— FPL Suka (Will) (@FPL_Suka) August 6, 2023
He has looked sharp all pre season 🔥🔥🔥
— daethlock (@daethlock54) August 6, 2023
Starting to show why his talent was worth 90m
— Harshit Jain (@Harry188_UTD) August 6, 2023
I think Sancho is stepping up his game
— Immaculate (@ImmaculateUTD) August 6, 2023
Best player of our pre season.
— C (@Claudia_MN07) August 6, 2023
We’re pleased and we hope he keeps the momentum
— LHAMILEKAN ⚓️🪝 (@NAKEL288) August 7, 2023
Him and Anthony battle for rw happy with that plus Jadon can play as 9 so will be big season for him can’t wait
— Clafty (@Clafty2) August 7, 2023
Sancho’s unexpected switch of position
Ten Hag has deployed the 23-year-old as a false nine for most of pre-season. Some have claimed that it is down to necessity, with the absence of Anthony Martial or any other recognised striker.
However, Sancho has looked pretty decent in the position, and there is no doubt that he could do a job for the team there if he is asked to perform similar duties in the future.
Will he make United’s first eleven?
Despite his improvement, though, there are serious doubts over whether ten Hag will pick him on a regular basis. With Rasmus Hojlund set to lead the line, the Dane’s two likeliest partners upfront are expected to be Antony and Marcus Rashford.
Of course, with Champions League football and domestic cup games, rotation will mean that there will be plenty of chances to impress but it will be interesting to see whether Sancho can make a case for himself to be a nailed-on starter for the most important games.
