The potential appointment of Jason Wilcox by Manchester United could mark a turning point for the future of Jadon Sancho at Old Trafford.
Reports from the Manchester Evening News suggest that Wilcox’s arrival as the club’s director of football might pave the way for the return of the 24-year-old winger, currently on loan at Borussia Dortmund.
Wilcox and Sancho previously collaborated at Manchester City’s academy, indicating a pre-existing rapport between the two.
Manchester United is actively pursuing Wilcox to bolster their technical staff by engaging in negotiations with Southampton, his current employer.
The club envisions Wilcox as a crucial addition to their revamped leadership under Dan Ashworth, who aims to replicate Wilcox’s success at Manchester City, where he honed his skills as a coach before assuming the role of academy director.
Sancho’s tumultuous relationship with United manager Erik Ten Hag led to his loan move to Borussia Dortmund in January, amid speculations of a permanent departure in the upcoming transfer window.
However, Wilcox’s potential arrival at Old Trafford could offer Sancho a lifeline, given the coach’s admiration for his talent and work ethic, evident since their time together at Manchester City.
Despite Sancho’s impending return to United, his strained association with Ten Hag suggests an uncertain future at the club.
Nonetheless, his recent performances for Dortmund, including a standout display against Bayern Munich, have showcased his resurgence and reaffirmed his potential as a top-tier talent.
Glenn Hoddle, former England manager, commended Sancho’s rejuvenation, attributing it to a regained confidence evident in his on-field demeanor and willingness to assert himself during matches.
He received high praise from the former England boss after his display against PSV Eindhoven in the Uefa Champions League.
Glen Hoddle full of positive words for Sancho
Speaking with TNT Sport, Hoddle said: “He’s got his confidence back, He’s going into places at United where he just wouldn’t go.”
“He’s going into awkward places where he’s perhaps going to get kicked, perhaps going to get marked heavily.
“Today, he enjoyed his game. He scored at the weekend and it just shows you what confidence does to a footballer. If you’ve got confidence, you’re looking forward to the game, you just want the ball.
“He wanted the ball. In the first half particularly, he wanted the ball so many times. He got annoyed if it didn’t come. That’s when you’re confident. That’s when you’re on top of your game.”
Sancho’s resurgence at Dortmund highlights the transformative effect of confidence on a player’s performance, underscoring his significance to both his current loan club and potential future endeavors.
As Wilcox’s potential appointment looms over Old Trafford, the prospect of a revived partnership between him and Sancho offers a glimmer of hope for the winger at Manchester United.
Does Sancho have anything to offer to Manchester United?
Jadon Sancho could be pivotal to Manchester United if he returns to Old Trafford with a bang, as the club is still passing through attacking issues.
Alejandro Garnacho has been placed on the right side of attack for most part of the second half of the season and he has truly been impressive.
Garnacho is still in his developmental stage and there are certain parts to his game that he will still need to fine-tune.
However, Jadon Sancho functions primarily as a right-winger and was signed to Manchester United in the summer of 2021, to sort out the club’s issues in that department.
While uncertainties persist regarding his relationship with Ten Hag and his long-term prospects with the club, Sancho’s recent form serves as a testament to his resilience, nature, and determination to enjoy the beautiful game of football.
Ultimately, the dynamics between Wilcox, Sancho, and the managerial hierarchy at Manchester United will shape the winger’s future in the coming months.
Yet, amidst the speculation and uncertainty, one thing remains clear: Sancho’s talent and potential continue to captivate the footballing world, as his second spell in Borussia Dortmund has made him a player to keep an eye on.
The Englishman has been sensational at the Signal Iduna Park, and his impressive showing has been instrumental to Borussia Dortmund edging closer to securing their Champions League spot for next season.
The Black and Yellows sit 4th on the German Bundesliga table, with 53 points from 27 league matches.
Borussia Dortmund are also in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League where they will be battling Atletico Madrid for a place in the last 4.
Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho has scored 2 goals and provided 2 assists in 11 appearances since his loan move to Dortmund.
Jadon Sancho future at Manchester United
It will be fascinating to see where his future lies, as it is unknown if the winger will want to further his loan spell with Edin Terzic’s side.
Given the winger is very comfortable at Borussia Dortmund, he might opt to remain at the club pending the exit of Ten Hag, who he could work under if he returns to Manchester United.
Their ruptured relationship is yet to be repaired and it is unknown if Erik Ten Hag will grant him a place in his starting XI despite his impressive showing in Germany.
