19 February 2023 , 16:49
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Jadon Sancho has provided the perfect response to criticism of his performances from before the World Cup.
The winger was a regular feature for Manchester United ahead of the break for the tournament last winter. But he has only recently returned to action as he took an extended break from training, a decision sanctioned by boss Erik ten Hag.
His last appearance before the break came in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea, with the Englishman substituted after 52 minutes. His ineffectual performance at Stamford Bridge led to him being slammed by former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor, who insisted he was 'annoying' three of his teammates.
“Sancho, he gets the ball and passes it backwards. If I was Luke Shaw I’d say ‘stop passing it back to me, I’m giving you the ball so take someone on’. At Dortmund he was doing it every week," he told talkSPORT at the time.
"His confidence is that low, does he feel like he doesn’t have the speed or the trickery to get past someone? He’s being brought off after 52 minutes for Fred. It just shows that they’ve had to play Fernandes up front for the last 35 minutes, Rashford went to the left and Antony stayed on the right because Sancho can’t perform.
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“How many times do you have to play him? If you’re Ronaldo you’re probably thinking ‘how many chances is this guy going to get?’ Elanga, how many times is Sancho going to get the chance to play for Manchester United because he’s not performing.”
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Jadon Sancho fired in Manchester United's third goal against Leicester (Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images))But it has been all change for the winger since he returned to action earlier this month. In his first game back, he fired in an equaliser to help United rescue a draw at home to Leeds, before earning a starting spot in the Red Devils' following game.
While he was back on the bench when Leicester came to visit Old Trafford on Sunday, Sancho still played a key role. After replacing Alejandro Garnacho at half-time, the 22-year-old was a lively figure.
And he capped off another impressive performance by firing in United's third goal after neat build-up play with Bruno Fernandes. And it was a display that ensured he can fire back at Agbonlahor, as well as earning the plaudits of Premier League legend Robbie Keane.
"Very good from the manager, bringing Sancho on. Great play here, one-two, great finish. He opened his body up with his left foot, did well to win the ball back there and Rashford getting involved in everything today," Keane told Sky Sports.
"This is lovely - you know when you’re playing with Fernandes you’re going to get opportunities, they get the ball back in, great one-two, great finish. I think it changed [the game] bringing Sancho on, it definitely helped.
"He brought a different dynamic to the game and he looks back to himself, back sharp, and he’s playing his way into the team for the final next week. The level in that second half was a lot better than in the first."