Former centre-back Rio Ferdinand believes Jadon Sancho could be like a new signing for Manchester United if he rediscovers his best form.
After being absent since October, the England international, who joined the Reds from Borussia Dortmund in July 2021, made his long-awaited return in the second half of United's 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg victory over Nottingham Forest last Wednesday night at Old Trafford. He stepped off the bench to a huge ovation from the supporters and a massive smile from manager Erik ten Hag.
Sancho, on the advice of Ten Hag, went to the Netherlands during the World Cup break following his omission from the England squad and worked on an individual training programme with coaches Ten Hag had recommended to him. He also removed himself from social media to focus on trying to get back to his best.
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Though Ten Hag has recognised that it will take time for the 22-year-old to find his feet again and rediscover his true capabilities, Ferdinand believes his return to the side has come at an important juncture in United's season, pointing to the limited options Ten Hag has had in reserve in recent weeks.
"Jadon Sancho is back in the Man United squad and if he can get back playing to his best it will be like a new signing for the club," Ferdinand told William Hill. "If you get someone like him, with the talent he has, playing to his best, he's a threat for any team – his ability to cause defenders problems.
"In the short-term, it also makes United a lot more competitive in general. The United bench over the last month hasn't been at its most strongest so having Sancho back gives Erik ten Hag a new option to turn to in the coming weeks.
"He didn't come on against Crystal Palace on Saturday, but the manager will be turning to him in the coming weeks so he'll have the opportunities to build up some form."
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