‘I’m only now really starting to break free’: Jadon Sancho admits he is finally getting over his struggles after huge £73m move to Manchester United last summer – and insists he is now ‘comfortable and happy’ amid resurgent form
- Jadon Sancho made an unconvincing start after moving to Man United for £73m
- The England sensation switched to the Premier League from Dortmund in 2021
- Livewire Sancho registered a solitary goal and provided no assists until February
- The 21-year-old has hit form recently and drew United level at Manchester City
Manchester United wonderkid Jadon Sancho says he is ‘starting to break free’ after scoring more goals in his last five games than he did during an unconvincing first half of the Premier League season.
England sensation Sancho arrived amid high expectations following his £73million move last summer from Borussia Dortmund, where his prolific goals and assists made him one of the most sought-after talents in Europe.
The former Watford and Manchester City youth prospect was used sparingly by ex-United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, failing to directly contribute to a goal until he scored in the first game after the Norwegian was sacked in November.
Jadon Sancho has been on a steep learning curve at times since moving to Manchester United
Versatile Sancho did not directly contribute to any goals under ex-boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Sancho’s next Premier League goal, opening the scoring in the 1-1 draw at home to Southampton on February 2, launched a purple patch for the prodigy, who has started six of United’s last seven matches.
The 21-year-old set up two of United’s goals in their thrilling 4-2 win at Leeds on February 20, then drew them level in their 4-1 defeat at City last Sunday.
Sancho told Sky Sport Germany: ‘I’m very self-critical. It certainly hasn’t been my best season but I’ve learned a lot.
‘A new league, new team-mates. I would say that I’m only now really starting to break free. I feel more and more comfortable and happy.’
Sancho scored at Man City and has played 90 minutes in four of United’s last six league games
After setting up 20 goals and scoring 16 of his own in the Bundesliga last season, Sancho was one of the breakthrough stars of England’s run to the final at Euro 2020.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate kept Sancho largely in reserve but unleashed him for the full 90 minutes as England eased past Ukraine 4-0 in the quarter-finals.
Sancho admits the influence of United players in the England camps he has been a part of since 2018 helped sway him when he made his huge move last June.
He said: ‘I’d met Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw with the national team. They always said, “come to United”.’
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