Manchester United mistake could be ‘signing of the season’ says ex-Premier League star

Manchester United have been warned that they may look “foolish” after selling Jadon Sancho to Chelsea this summer.

Sancho, 24, left United in a deadline-day move that saw him move to Premier League rivals Chelsea on a season-long loan.

With Sancho’s move including an obligation to buy if certain conditions are met, it is likely the winger will not play for the Reds again.

Spending the second half of last season on loan at former club Borussia Dortmund, Sancho’s time at United was filled with turbulence including a public falling out with Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag.

Sancho, who made his debut for Chelsea against Bournemouth, came off the bench assisting the Blues winning goal in a 1-0 victory.

Speaking about Sancho’s move to Chelsea, former Premier League goalkeeper David James has claimed the decision to sell Sancho could cost United in the long run.

“My signing of the window has to be Chelsea’s capture of Sancho,” said James as quoted by the Mirror. “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 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 United.

“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 United looking pretty foolish indeed, especially if they keep on struggling.”

Moving to Chelsea at the end of this summer’s transfer window, Sancho brought a close to a disastrous three years at United.

Signed by then United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2021, Sancho’s £72 million move, saw the Englishman fail to secure his place in the Red Devils’ starting XI, during his three years at the club.

In total, Sancho’s time in Manchester saw the winger make 83 appearances scoring just 12 goals.

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