Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has delivered a pointed message to Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag following Jadon Sancho’s impressive debut for the Blues, suggesting that the England international “needs love” to thrive.

Sancho made a significant impact in his first appearance for Chelsea on Saturday night, coming off the bench at half-time and earning the Player of the Match award in a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bournemouth. The match highlighted the depth and strength of Chelsea’s squad, with Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku also introduced as second-half substitutes, the latter scoring the decisive goal.

Sancho’s encouraging start to his loan spell at Stamford Bridge offers a stark contrast to his troubled time at Manchester United. The 24-year-old winger’s relationship with United manager Erik ten Hag became strained last season, leading to a loan move back to Borussia Dortmund for the second half of the campaign. Despite signs of reconciliation, Sancho found himself out on loan once again, this time to Chelsea.

Maresca, clearly pleased with Sancho’s performance, believes the winger has the potential to rediscover his best form under the right guidance. “I have the feeling Jadon needs love,” Maresca remarked following Chelsea’s victory over Bournemouth.

The Chelsea manager’s comments may well be a subtle dig at the handling of Sancho’s situation by Ten Hag and Manchester United, who struggled to get the best out of the former Dortmund star.

With a fresh start at Chelsea, Sancho appears ready to prove his critics wrong and re-establish himself as one of England’s most exciting talents. His impressive debut performance has set the stage for what could be a transformative loan spell at Stamford Bridge under Maresca’s management.

The Chelsea faithful will hope that this new chapter brings out the best in Sancho, with Maresca seemingly confident that a supportive environment at the club can help the talented winger regain his form and confidence.