Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov believes Jadon Sancho deserves one more season to try and prove his worth at Old Trafford.
The winger joined United from German heavyweights Borussia Dortmund in July 2021 and has so far failed to live up to his £72.9million price tag. He has scored just 12 goals and registered six assists in his first 79 appearances for the club, meaning some supporters' patience are beginning to wear thin.
Furthermore, Reds manager Erik ten Hag, as revealed by the Manchester Evening News back in April, is understood to have become increasingly impatient with Sancho, and the prospect of him leaving Old Trafford this summer has not been ruled out. However, Berbatov feels the 23-year-old deserves another crack of the whip to prove what he is capable of.
"I do believe it would be premature to sell Jadon," Berbatov told Betfred. "I think he needs at least one more season at the club to prove what he can do and show everybody that he still possesses all the qualities we saw from him at Borussia Dortmund.
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"If he's not good again next season, then it may be time to consider moving him on. He needs to prepare well for next season and he needs to have the right environment around him, on and off the pitch.
"If his head is in the right place, then I believe he will have a good season."
Sancho, who made 41 appearances for United during the 2022/23 campaign, scoring seven goals and grabbing three assists, had an extended period away from the squad towards the end of last year, being sent to the Netherlands during the World Cup break to work on an individual training programme. He worked alongside coaches that had been recommended to him by Ten Hag.
Sancho blew hot and cold following his return to the squad in February, offering glimpses of his capabilities, but without getting into any sort of consistent rhythm. He started the 2-1 FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City at Wembley earlier this month and struggled to leave his calling card.
