
Jadon Sancho’s resurgence at Chelsea has sparked regret at Manchester United, with former striker Carlton Cole criticising Erik ten Hag for mishandling the situation that forced the winger out of Old Trafford.
Sancho, who joined Chelsea on loan this summer after a similar stint at Borussia Dortmund, has been thriving at Stamford Bridge. He has contributed two goals and five assists in 11 appearances across all competitions, showing signs of recapturing the form that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting talents.
“The Sancho situation could’ve been handled a lot differently,” Cole said on talkSPORT. “Now he’s playing for Chelsea and scoring goals. Man United will look at that and say, ‘We would’ve liked Sancho to be on form like that.’”
The England international’s performances have helped Chelsea emerge as Liverpool’s closest challengers in the Premier League title race and favourites to win the UEFA Conference League. Meanwhile, United’s struggles continue under new boss Ruben Amorim, with the team currently 13th in the Premier League and struggling to score, with only 19 goals so far this season.
Cole pointed to Ten Hag’s handling of Sancho as a key reason for his exit. “Because Ten Hag made it uncomfortable for him to be there, he had to find a new home where he can establish himself and be the player we know he can be,” Cole explained.
Sancho’s absence is particularly glaring at United, where Marcus Rashford and other attacking players have struggled for form. As Chelsea continues to benefit from Sancho’s revival, United is left wondering what could have been if the situation under Ten Hag had been managed differently.