The Jadon Sancho story is a nice one but now the real work starts.
Back in the Manchester United squad after taking time away to deal with some physical issues and the mental strain often associated with life as an elite sportsman, the 22-year-old played his first Premier League minutes since October last night and scored the equaliser at the Stretford End.
That was a moment to remember for the former Manchester City youth product. Where he goes from here, though, will be down to him, and United manager Erik Ten Hag basically said as much at full-time last night.
‘He's a brilliant footballer and if he invests and he is in the right levels he can perform outstandingly,’ said the Dutchman.
‘I think it's in his own hands. So if he wants, he can do.’
Ten Hag and United have handled Sancho well this season. By not making any secret of his issues, they effectively bought him the time and space to recover away from the glare and the scrutiny.
The one question remains now, though. Does Sancho have what it takes to success at United?
The competition for places in United’s forward line is strong and will get stronger.
Marcus Rashford is establishing himself as one of the game’s top talents once more. United bought the Brazilian Antony at Ten Hag’s insistence last summer and considered a move for Memphis Depay in January.
Meanwhile, they still have Anthony Martial while young Alejandro Garnacho has come through the ranks after starting his career at Atletico Madrid.
When you also consider that United plan to spend again on attacking players this summer, the scale of the challenge to Sancho becomes clear.
He was bought for north of £70m from Borussia Dortmund 18 months ago but has not managed to consistently deliver and has so far scored only six league goals.
In particular, Sancho has struggled to beat players. That could be a confidence thing while some in the game feel the step up to the Premier League – where games are harder week in week out – has proved too much for him.
Whatever the case, it’s great to see him back. But last night represented a small step. There are larger ones still be to taken.
malablata
0
By looking at this photo one will think floppa Anthony did something better with that ball when the reality is that his two legs knack together, he fell down and Hughes collected that ball. This player shouldn't had even command a transfer fees....... that's the biggest waste of £85 million.
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Pepe stat in his first season was far better than Anthony. Pepe helped us win trophies. He was never a failure. He left us great memories of great goals and dribbles. He never truly got the required minutes but he was always good when he came on.......can you say the same about your £85m flop?
Jaaertz
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By looking at this photo one will think floppa Anthony did something better with that ball when the reality is that his two legs knack together, he fell down and Hughes collected that ball. This player shouldn't had even command a transfer fees....... that's the biggest waste of £85 million.
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Lol these guys are shameless to talk about Anthony after what Pepe did to them lol ..
malablata
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what happened to arsenal PEPE ? £80million.. after 3 years in EPL.... shebi na u talk pass
Uhhhh, adding Pepe fees up to reach your flop fees😂😂😂😂
Noeaklouyz
1
By looking at this photo one will think floppa Anthony did something better with that ball when the reality is that his two legs knack together, he fell down and Hughes collected that ball. This player shouldn't had even command a transfer fees....... that's the biggest waste of £85 million.
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Pepe that u bought where is he now
Teewise
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By looking at this photo one will think floppa Anthony did something better with that ball when the reality is that his two legs knack together, he fell down and Hughes collected that ball. This player shouldn't had even command a transfer fees....... that's the biggest waste of £85 million.
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Symptoms that an Arsenal fan is about to cry😂😂
dedkorty
1
shame on you what about 2 years ago when you made him the best player in the market foodball is no more for happiness but for sadness always
fee466wh
0
By looking at this photo one will think floppa Anthony did something better with that ball when the reality is that his two legs knack together, he fell down and Hughes collected that ball. This player shouldn't had even command a transfer fees....... that's the biggest waste of £85 million.
[image]
what happened to arsenal PEPE ? £80million.. after 3 years in EPL.... shebi na u talk pass
malablata
4
By looking at this photo one will think floppa Anthony did something better with that ball when the reality is that his two legs knack together, he fell down and Hughes collected that ball. This player shouldn't had even command a transfer fees....... that's the biggest waste of £85 million.
ClemJay
1
When will the EPL experience the Sancho that shone so much at Borussia Dortmund
ropaeimtyz
1
there goes the media with their negativity already... they r so
1ngram4
0
Wasn’t he beating players yesterday?? With nice passes too and one especially for Fred and the man had the ball on his left and let out a weak ass shot
noyadlstz
3
He's still a flop
Bestonwizzy
1
Media has come again oo
bolaji99
3
Nonsense post na u help him beat player yesterday
Bihbdekloz
2
hater