Luke Shaw is backing Jadon Sancho to rediscover his true capabilities after scoring Manchester United's equaliser in Wednesday evening's 2-2 draw with Leeds at Old Trafford.
Trailing 2-0 just three minutes into the start of the second half, United faced an uphill struggle in their hopes of avoiding a first home defeat since September. The in-form Marcus Rashford pulled a goal back just past the hour mark, heading home his 20th goal of the campaign after rising highest inside the penalty area to meet Diogo Dalot's delivery, ahead of Sancho bringing the Reds level eight minutes later.
The winger, who had stepped off the bench to replace Wout Weghorst just before the hour mark, saw a Shaw cross deflect into his path and he made no mistake to coolly curl home his first goal since September and make it 2-2 with 20 minutes of normal time left on the clock. It was an emotional moment for the England international, who was making just his second appearance since his extended run out of the team.
READ MORE: What Erik ten Hag told his players at half-time vs Leeds
He wheeled away to celebrate in style, fuelled with emotion and passion. He was quickly mobbed by his teammates, who were evidently delighted to see him back among the goals.
And for left-back Shaw, who played a key hand in Sancho's fourth goal of the campaign, he is confident that Sancho is going to experience the thrill of scoring a lot more frequently moving forward.
Replying to an Instagram post from Sancho, Shaw posted: "Get used to this feeling bro... you're back."
Manager Erik ten Hag is also optimistic that the former Borussia Dortmund man can continue to move in the right direction. "I'm really happy he is in the right direction," said Ten Hag. "I hope he can keep this momentum going and I'm sure it will strengthen him and motivate him to do even more.
"As you see, he's a brilliant footballer and if he invests and he is in the right levels he can perform outstandingly. I think we now have a team who can dictate games, who play more in an opponent's half; he likes that.
"He can play in tight areas and he can make the difference. That second goal shows it but when he came on last week we saw it as well.
"I think it's in his own hands. So if he wants, he can do. And this team is great to play in, will give you joy but I really enjoy seeing him play the way he did with so much confidence, with so much belief, really direct. It was great to see him play in this attack."
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