Gary Neville and Roy Keane have both suggested that the the return of Jadon Sancho will benefit Manchester United in the second half of the campaign.
Sancho made his first Premier League start since last October on Sunday afternoon, with Erik ten Hag's side travelling to Elland Road to face Leeds United. The 22-year-old attacker spent a period of time away from the first-team in recent months - working on an individual training programme in the Netherlands with coaches recommended to him by the United manager.
The former Borussia Dortmund man returned to the fold for the Carabao Cup win over Nottingham Forest earlier this month, before coming off the bench to score in the 2-2 draw with Leeds in the Premier League on Wednesday night.
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While it has not been the individual campaign that Sancho was hoping for, Ten Hag praised him for his determination to get back in the team after missing several matches. The forward has also been backed by club legend Keane, who insisted it was great to have the 22-year-old back in the side.
Asked if Sancho had shown glimpses of what he can bring to the Reds, Keane, speaking on Sky Sports, said: "Well you hope so, he’s only been back the last couple of games and he’ll be encouraged, certainly by the goal he got the other night, and he’s had issues physically and mentally so it’s great to have him back.
"Again they paid huge money, huge expectations, back in the team, and fingers crossed he’s happy in himself because if he’s happy in himself then obviously you’re going to see a better player. He would have been delighted with his contribution the other night."
Neville, meanwhile, suggested that it was important United get Sancho on the ball higher up the pitch because he is able to thrive in tight areas. The former United man questioned if the winger has the pace to beat players in a race, but claimed he could make an impact in and around the penalty area.
Neville said: "I thought he was really sharp (against Leeds last week), it suited him because United had a lot of possession, I think he’s better when he receives the ball high up the pitch, he has got good quality in and around the final third as he can just see a little pass.
"I think he can beat them in tight areas, when it’s over a sprint I’m not sure, but certainly when it’s in these areas [around the penalty area] he’s really good."
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