Jadon Sancho’s return to Manchester United has been anything but a homecoming. While the club and manager Erik ten Hag have moved on from their public disagreement, the player himself seems to be stuck in the past.
His social media silence is deafening. While former teammates and friends get birthday shoutouts, there’s no mention of his reintegration into the United squad or his recent match. His Instagram bio is devoid of any United affiliation, and any previous posts related to the club have been scrubbed clean. It’s a stark contrast to the dream of representing a club like Manchester United.
Sancho’s last post, a reflection on his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, remains pinned to his Instagram and X accounts. It’s as if he’s clinging to a past he perceives as more welcoming. Dortmund, once seen as a “home,” has moved on, assigning his number ten to another player.
The club, too, seems to be distancing itself. Sancho was notably absent from the team’s departure photos, and while Ten Hag speaks of him as a “terribly good player,” his chances of regular playing time seem limited. The emergence of younger talents like Amad and Leny Yoro, coupled with the arrival of Rasmus Hojlund, further diminishes Sancho’s prospects.
The question now is whether a permanent departure is the best solution for all parties. Paris Saint-Germain showed interest after his impressive performance in a Champions League match, and Dortmund and Juventus have also been linked with the winger.
As United focuses on building a harmonious team, Sancho’s discontent is a growing distraction. His talent is undeniable, but his mentality appears misaligned with the club’s ambitions. Perhaps it’s time for both parties to move on.
