As Jadon Sancho gears up to face Arsenal at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles this weekend, it’s hard not to think back to this exact time last year.

Sancho was in New Jersey for a pre-season friendly where he made quite an impression.

At the MetLife Stadium, he played as a false nine, breaking away from the Arsenal defense just before halftime and scoring in a 2-0 win for United. It looked like a promising start for the England winger, but the year took a sharp turn.

Sancho’s first season under Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford was rocky.

After taking a three-month break because he wasn’t ‘physically or mentally’ ready to play, his situation only worsened.

By the time United faced Arsenal again, Sancho was frustrated with Ten Hag’s preference for Antony on the right wing, despite Antony’s poor form.

This frustration boiled over when Ten Hag criticized Sancho’s performance, leading to a public spat and Sancho being banished to the academy. He was eventually loaned to Borussia Dortmund in January, and it seemed like his United career might be over.

Despite the turbulent year, Sancho still has two years left on his hefty contract with United.

Dortmund wants him back, but affording both his wages and the £40 million transfer fee is challenging.

Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain also have their eyes on him. This summer, Sancho returned to United and made his first appearance in 11 months in a friendly against Rangers after a truce with Ten Hag.

A Fresh Start?

United’s manager, Ten Hag, has expressed hope that Sancho can turn things around.

He acknowledged that mistakes happen and emphasized the need for talented players like Sancho.

There are signs that Sancho might have softened his stance, even if he didn’t give a full apology. The move to reintegrate him into the squad seems practical; whether United decides to keep or sell him, having him in top form could only help their cause.

Social Media Signals and Market Interest

Sancho’s social media presents a different picture.

His Twitter and Instagram profiles still feature him in Dortmund gear, and he hasn’t shared much about his return to United. Sources close to him suggest he’s never fully settled at United since his transfer from Manchester City.

Despite contributing 12 goals and six assists in 82 appearances, his performance hasn’t matched expectations.

Interest from Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain was strong when he was first signed, with PSG still a potential destination.

Bayern Munich also made an approach but wanted Sancho as a left wing-back, which didn’t appeal to him.

The Road Ahead

Many believe that Sancho might be better suited to the Bundesliga, where he previously thrived. As United looks to sell him if they receive an offer close to their asking price, he’s part of the 29-man squad currently on a US tour.

As he prepares for another match against Arsenal, Sancho’s future at Manchester United remains uncertain.

TDPel Media

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