The manager of Manchester United, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has fired back at the head coach of the England national team, Gareth Southgate over the form of Jadon Sancho.
Recently, Southgate was made to comment on the form of Jadon Sancho since he left Borussia Dortmund for Manchester United. Recall that United signed 21-year-old England international from Dortmund, for a transfer fee worth €85 million on July 23, 2021.
Since he arrived at Manchester United, he has played 8 times in all competitions and has yet to record a goal nor assist.
He was brought to the club due to his form at Dortmund. For instance, last season, Sancho scored a total number of 16 goals and provided 20 assists at Dortmund.
Unfortunately for Manchester United, Sancho has not performed as much as expected at the Premier League club.
Hence, coach Southgate said if he would base the selection of his squad base on the form of Sancho at Manchester United, he would not select him for October FIFA international break.
He however included him in the squad for the international break due to his consistency over the years.
Before Manchester United took on Everton today, October 2, 2021, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stressed that Sancho still has a lot to offer.
Solskjaer also insisted that Sancho played very well during the Champions League game between Manchester United and Villarreal which ended 2-1 in favor of Manchester United on September 29, 2021.
“Jadon was exceptional, he was electric”, Solskjaer said referring to the Champions League group stage game against Villarreal. “The crowd loved him and I think he felt that connection.
“He was direct, positive, he went past the full-back numerous times. Yes, he’s not scored yet but I thought, ‘that’s Jadon and we’re going to see lots of that’.
“Gareth has also said it’s important that Jadon knows (England) believe in him and are invested in him.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer supports coach Gareth Southgate for dropping Mason Greenwood.
Coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did not fault coach Gareth Southgate for dropping Mason Greenwood for the October FIFA international break.
This means that Mason would not play in England’s World Cup qualifiers against Hungary and Andorra. Southgate said he decided to drop Greenwood because the youngster needs rest.
Solskjaer said: “Gareth had a frank conversation with Mason and his family and they know the situation. He also knows Mason is really keen on playing for England.
“Gareth is understanding that the boy is only 20 – he turned 20 today [Friday]. He’s going to be a top player for England and Manchester United but he has to be managed in the right way.
“It gives us a chance to work on his fitness but also to give him a rest because he has been playing in many, many games at a high intensity.”
Below is the full list of England’s squad for the October FIFA international break
Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (West Bromwich Albion), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Defenders: Conor Coady (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Reece James (Chelsea), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Jesse Lingard (Manchester United), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds United), Declan Rice (West Ham United)
Forwards: Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Jadon Sancho (Manchester United), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
