Jadon Sancho was given a rare start at Aston Villa on Thursday night after news broke that Manchester United had made the latest decision on the winger’s future at Old Trafford.
Jadon Sancho was given a rare chance when he started for Unai Emery’s Aston Villa against Maccabi Tel Aviv. The Manchester United loanee only left former Villa captain Stylian Petrov disappointed with his team’s 2-0 win.
With Ollie Watkins sidelined, Sancho joined Donyell Malen and Evan Guesand on Thursday night for his third start of the season. Former Chelsea ace Ian Maassen and Maren scored on either side of half-time to ensure Emery’s side secured victory and placed them sixth in the league table in European competition.
Former Borussia Dortmund star Sancho played 75 minutes before being replaced by Youri Tielemans, but was just one of two players who failed to impress Petrov. The former Celtic midfielder believes Sancho had his chances but failed to capitalize.
“Some of these players will have a chance to show the manager that they should be in the starting lineup,” Petrov told TNT Sports. “I’m really impressed[with Maassen]. Every time he gets a chance, he always performs and always impresses.”
“I don’t know if I can say that about Sancho and Gessando, but that’s a bit disappointing.”
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Sancho’s performance was influenced by his substitutions on and off the pitch in last month’s Premier League game against Manchester City. The winger suffered the ignominy of coming onto the field in the 29th minute and being replaced by Evan Guesand in the 74th minute against Josep Guardiola’s side.
Emery explained his decision: “I’m very happy because his impact, power and skills were great, but he’s not ready to play 90 minutes yet to play any more than he is.” “45 minutes is not easy enough for him. I’m happy and, of course, he gradually gets better.”
However, with Sancho set to return from Old Trafford after a loan spell, United bosses appear to have already made up their minds. Despite shelling out £73m five years ago, the club are prepared to let him leave for free next summer.
With Sancho’s contract expiring in the summer, the Red Devils have the option of activating a 12-month extension. However, United are said to be unwilling to risk paying him £200,000-a-week if they fail to find a buyer.
In the summer, Amorim insisted he would not sell players like Sancho cheap just to see them depart. It looks like they are ready to cut their losses now.
He said: “I know for a fact that Omar (CEO Barrada) and Jason (Wilcox director of football) and the club have numbers (prices) for these players. If they don’t get there, they will be Manchester United players, that’s for sure. I understand that other clubs are probably waiting for the last moment, but they could have a surprise.”
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