Does Jadon Sancho change Manchester United's title fight, or will they fall short again?

27/07/21 2221

Manchester United got their man, finally, with the £76.5 million transfer of winger Jadon Sancho.

While it was for less than Borussia Dortmund asked for in the summer of 2020, it is still a significant fee.

Sancho is now the third-most expensive Manchester United transfer behind Paul Pogba and Harry Maguire.

Before fans and Manchester United-pro media members give the Old Trafford outfit the Premier League title and Champions League trophy before the season starts, it is important to note that Sancho’s signing doesn't necessarily change much about this club – at least not right now.

Sure, Manchester United have one of the most electric attacking players to play in the Bundesliga over the last few years, but consistency and attitude have long been a question surrounding Sancho.

The winger compiled 38 goals and 51 assists in 104 Bundesliga games and five goals and six assists in 21 Champions League matches for the Yellow and Black during his time in Germany. On the surface, those numbers are fantastic.

However, Manchester United have signed a winger previously that struggled to make a significant impact. Angel Di Maria arrived at Manchester United for £67.5m in 2014/15 but was run off by fans with unrealistic demands before he could really help the team win silverware.

Di Maria tallied three league goals and 11 assists in 27 matches. After one season, Di Maria was sold to Paris Saint-Germain, where he has been a superstar. Manchester United won’t give up on Sancho so easily. It helps that the 21-year-old is English and will be given the benefit of the doubt.

Looking back at his Bundesliga goals, however, Sancho didn’t get the first of his eight Bundesliga goals until matchday 14. Sure, four assists had been tallied before then, but goals didn’t flow early. He then went on a tear, scoring six goals in 10 matches while tallying six assists.

A torn muscle forced Sancho out of the team for six games to cool him off. A further two goals and two assists were tallied over the team’s last five league games. Unfortunately, Borussia Dortmund were well off the pace for the title. They did claim the DFB Pokal with Sancho scoring twice and assisting a goal.

But a disappointing summer at the Euros – along with new teammate Marcus Rashford – has overshadowed Sancho’s move. Looking at Manchester United’s squad, it is debatable whether the squad is much better with Sancho.

Sure, they will defeat the likes of Brighton, Watford, and other lower-level teams, but against the top clubs such as Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea, will Sancho make the difference in the race for silverware?

Paul Pogba’s inability to be consistent and fulfil his potential remains a problem. He is better off sold than kept. Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes also had a poor Euro tournament. His ability is unquestioned, but the midfielder’s attitude can certainly be questioned.

There is still a need for an elite striker at Old Trafford.Rashford isn’t the team’s No. 9 and Edinson Cavani will be tasked with scoring the bulk of the team’s goals.

Sancho’s signing papers over the cracks at Old Trafford. There is still a lot to do.