Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
George Smith

Rio Ferdinand makes Jadon Sancho prediction after making Manchester United return

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.

READ MORE: United might have an obvious substitution to make during Casemiro suspension

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."

Win a pair of tickets to the Premier League or Women's Super League match of your choosing! Enter by clicking here!

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.