Manchester United: Jadon Sancho on finding instant spark with team-mate Bruno Fernandes

Jadon Sancho has vowed to bring flair and a winning mentality to Manchester United – and believes he has already forged a connection with team-mate Bruno Fernandes after sealing his long-awaited move to Old Trafford. 

The England winger cost United £73million after finally snaring him from Dortmund following negotiations that were dragged out over the course of a year, and now the player says he is ‘buzzing’ to pull on the shirt and add some firepower to the team. 

The 21-year-old has only just started training with his new side after feauring for England at Euro 2020 on their route to the final, but has declared himself ready to go for the new campaign despite his lack of preparation. 

He is already eyeing up a partnership with Bruno Fernandes after linking up well in training

He spoke with United legend Rio Ferdinand ahead of the club’s season opener against Leeds United at Old Trafford on Saturday in the next instalment of ‘Rio Meets’ for BT Sport, telling him he was relieved to finally get his move. 

‘It feels nice, definitely [to be a United player], I’ve been waiting a long time for this move I’m just glad it’s over now and I can get ready to start the season against Leeds. I’m buzzing.’  

When asked by Ferdinand what United fans can expect of him, he replied: ‘Goals, assists, a bit of flair and definitely eager to win – that’s one of my things I’ve always done. Trying to help the team, winning is my mentality. Hopefully I can win a few games for Man United if it’s a close game. I’m looking forward to it.’

Ferdinand referenced players like Cristiano Ronaldo, who came to the club and made a big impact – and Sancho feels his hunger and desire to win will put United in good stead, and already sees a similar mentality from new team-mate Fernandes, who he has linked up well with in training. 

Sancho has only recently started training with the club but has declared himself fit to play

‘I can see that in a few of the players, with Bruno today we were on the same team and we linked up very well,’ he continued. 

‘Me and him love winning so I’m glad me and Bruno have the same mindset because it’s needed in a big team like this if you wanna win things you have to learn how to win in training and in matches so it’s important.

‘The whole team is a great squad. Speaking to Luke [Shaw] and Marcus [Rashford], they were telling me its a great bunch of lads. I watched a few games last season and the attack is very good. To be a part of that now is kind of crazy because I see what Bruno was doing, what Marcus was doing, Greenwood, Cavani… so to add more goals and assists is going to be exciting.’

Sancho’s switch to United was one of the biggest transfer deals of the summer – that was until Lionel Messi announced his shock departure from Barcelona and signed for PSG on a free transfer. 

Sancho is United’s marquee signing of the summer and the player feels he is fit to play 

Lionel Messi’s move to PSG has served as motivation for Sancho to reach the top of his game

The Ligue 1 side now boast a star-studded line-up featuring the likes of Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Sergio Ramos, but Sancho says the big move has only served as more motivation to improve as a player. 

He believes he could one day reach the same level as Messi and is confident about the possibility of taking on PSG’s top stars in the future.

‘I use [Messi’s move] for motivation,’ he continued. ‘PSG is a great side, they have great players like Mbappe and Messi. 

‘As a young player I’m thinking that means I’ve got to step up my game and show the world – I’m not at that level yet, but I can get to that level. It’s good competition, every young player should thrive in big games like that – if we ever did face them I’d be buzzing, I’d be ready to go. 

More to follow. 

BT Sport’s Premier League coverage kicks off with Manchester United v Leeds United live on BT Sport 1 from 11.30am on Saturday 14th August. For more info, visit btsport.com