“Chelsea are going to give him a platform” - Ex-England star claims ‘foolish’ Manchester United could rue Jadon Sancho sale
Former England goalkeeper David James believes Manchester United made a mistake selling Jadon Sancho to Chelsea this summer. The England international had a debut to remember, coming off the bench to inspire the Blues to claim a narrow win over Bournemouth on Sunday (September 15).
Sancho endured three tumultuous years at Old Trafford, six months of which were spent in Germany with Borussia Dortmund, before leaving. The move to Chelsea came as a shock on deadline day, as he had been linked with other sides throughout the transfer window.
A former England number one, David James spoke about the potential impact of the signing of Sancho on both Chelsea and Manchester United. He praised the 24-year-old for his impressive debut against Bournemouth, naming him as his signing of the window. James said (via Evening Standard):
"My signing of the window has to be Chelsea’s capture of Jadon Sancho. He had a good debut against Bournemouth - looked really lively, and there’s no doubt that there is a player in there.
"He’s shown what he’s all about at his two spells with Dortmund. There was something about him at Manchester United which, for whatever reason, obviously didn't work. That can happen with players, particularly young ones, sometimes moves just don’t work out.
"His second spell at Dortmund re-energised him. It gave him the belief that he can operate at the highest level after his confidence was knocked at Manchester United."
The former Portsmouth goalkeeper believes that Jadon Sancho will get sufficient opportunities to prove his worth in a Chelsea shirt this season. He likened the move to Cole Palmer's, stating that the former Borussia Dortmund man will get a platform to showcase himself. He said:
"He’s going to get lots of opportunities to showcase his talent at Chelsea this season. I think it’s a great signing and a new environment could be exactly what he needs to start demonstrating that he is one of the best attacking players in the Premier League.
"In many ways, it’s similar to Cole Palmer. Chelsea are going to give him a platform to express himself. If he can follow in Palmer’s footsteps, then it’s a fantastic piece of business and one that could leave Manchester United looking pretty foolish indeed, especially if they keep on struggling."
Sancho moved to Stamford Bridge on transfer deadline day despite receiving a concrete offer from Serie A side Juventus. The former Manchester City prodigy joined on an initial season-long loan with an option to buy him for a mere £25 million if the Blues finish in the league's top 14.
Enzo Maresca was happy with the signing, and after Sancho's Man of the Match display on his debut, the Italian tactician would be pleased to have him.
Manchester United captain sends message to Chelsea star Sancho after debut
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes sent a message to Chelsea ace Jadon Sancho after he made his debut for the Blues. The England international came off the bench against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium for his first appearance for the Blues.
Sancho left Old Trafford for Stamford Bridge this summer but appears to have a number of well-wishers at the club. Fernandes posted a comment on his Instagram post of pictures from his debut.
He wrote:
"Some player you🔥 keep that smile🙌🏻"
Premier League rules will prevent Sancho from taking to the pitch when his new side faces his former one on November 3 at Stamford Bridge. The winger will be keen to prove that the Red Devils have made a mistake in selling him to a rival side.