Do you remember Jadon Sancho was one of the most sought-after players in Europe?
When Manchester United finally signed him in 2021 after one of the most tedious transfer soap operas of recent years, they seemed to have solved the problem of attacking wide players for this generation.
With Marcus Rashford on the left and Jadon Sancho on the right, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United seem capable of competing for the Premier League title for the first time in many years.
After 58 league appearances, nine goals, three managers and an open break with Ten Hag, Sancho was loaned back to Borussia Dortmund in the winter window and his top-flight path was questioned. At a time when United were struggling, the talented player, once hailed as a man who could sign for any of Europe's top clubs, became a symbol of United's long-term decline.
But if the Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain is any indication, Jadon Sancho is back at the top of his game.
Speaking on TNT, England legend Hargreve said: "I could tell from his first few touches that he was confident and his body language showed he believed in himself. There's a big difference between being a guy and being crazy, he's really talented, that's what really talented a player is. ”
For the past 3 years, "madness" has not been a derogatory term for Sancho. But with Chows on the pitch, Sancho regained his confidence on the pitch, which is why United spent £73million to bring him in 2021.
In the 12th minute, he orchestrated his first truly threatening attack. After PSG left-back Nuno Mendes cut off his pass, he quickly won the ball back and attacked.
When Mendes tried to dribble past him along the touchline, Sancho decisively reached out his right leg and instead of kicking the ball out of bounds, he broke it off securely. After completing the tackle, he passed the ball to Brandt on the right. The latter slid in diagonally and Sabitzer followed up with a shot from a tight angle that was saved by Donnarumma.
Since then, Sancho's performance has been pure magic.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand said: "He's not just passing, he's not just speeding, he's a footballer and he wants to play one-two with his team-mates and get into the rhythm of the game. What I saw today, and what all the United fans and I have been looking forward to, was the cage football version of Jadon Sancho. He has been playing basketball football since he was a child, and he is crazy and stylish. ”
Against Paris Saint-Germain, Jadon Sancho made 12 dribbles, the highest personal record in a Champions League game since Messi in 2008. In the first 30 minutes, he completed seven dribbles, a personal record for a single game in a Champions League knockout game this season.
In the first half, he linked up with right-back Ryerson and midfielder Brandt, who often ran to Sancho's side to create a numerical advantage, such as Mendes. Sancho is not very fast, but as long as he has a good team-mate around him, he can show his talent for "cage football", which is what made him stand out when he played at Borussia Dort in the early years.
At Manchester United, Jadon Sancho struggled to link up with his team-mates. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a good defender but may not be consistent enough in attack, while Ten Hag's frequent fast-attacking style of play could isolate Sancho from midfield. Sancho is in the best team to pass and press the tempo, but that doesn't mean he can't pass.
One hour into the game, Sancho received a pass from Ryerson and faced Mendes on the right from about 20 yards from the touchline. The latter struggled to deal with Sancho's threat all night, and this time opted to play early, Sancho managed to dodge and burst with the ball.
Sancho rushed to the penalty area, looked up and saw that Phil Kruger in the box was empty, and then chose to knock back. It's a pity that Phil Krueger outflanked the anti-aircraft gun in front of the goal, wasting a great opportunity to extend the lead.
This footwork, this explosiveness, this precise passing, this is rarely seen at Manchester United. Once upon a time, Sancho seemed to have really returned.
Counting the opportunity wasted by Big Phil, Sancho should have scored a hat-trick of assists. Before the final whistle, he created two great chances in a row in the space of 20 seconds.
Sancho calmly slipped the ball between Berardo's legs into the box, and Brandt's follow-up effort was blocked by Marquinhos. Sancho then picked up the ball on the edge of the box and crossed for the unmarked Reuss from seven yards out. However, Reus couldn't time the jump and headed over the crossbar.
Hargreaves said: 'When we were at Manchester United, we didn't see him in the game. I don't know if it's because of his confidence or if he's not in good shape. Sancho answered a lot of questions today and we could have criticised him for not being consistent enough. [But] today, he outperformed all the players on the field. His opponents are the best players in the world and Sancho's performance is really impressive. ”
Against Paris Saint-Germain, Sancho reminded everyone why he is a special talent. He was really not consistent enough at Manchester United, so he didn't play, and no one can deny that. But instability is just as prevalent at club level at the top and managerial level.
Under Ratcliffe and INEOS, Old Trafford has seen a new dawn. Sancho may have regained his vitality and won a fresh start in an environment where he felt loved and appreciated.