Jadon Sancho’s tumultuous spell at Manchester United came to an end in January 2024 when the winger joined Chelsea on a loan deal with an obligation to buy for £25 million. While the move was initially seen as a fresh start for the England international, his performances for the Blues have failed to live up to expectations. Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has now publicly criticised Sancho, accusing him of “deceiving” fans with his early promise and questioning his commitment on the pitch.
Sancho’s struggles at Chelsea have only reinforced Manchester United’s decision to cut their losses and move him on. For the Red Devils, the £25 million fee represents a significant loss on the £73 million they paid Borussia Dortmund in 2021, but it also provides a much-needed boost to the club’s finances as they look to rebuild under Ruben Amorim.
Sancho’s Chelsea Struggles: A Shadow of His Former Self
When Jadon Sancho arrived at Chelsea, there was hope that he could rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s most exciting young talents during his time at Borussia Dortmund. However, his performances have been underwhelming, with just two goals to his name – the same number as Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire this season.
Sancho’s lack of impact has drawn criticism from fans and pundits alike, with John Obi Mikel becoming the latest to voice his frustration. Speaking on his podcast, the former Chelsea midfielder did not hold back in his assessment of Sancho’s contributions.
“Jadon Sancho, he’s come on, he’s deceived us with a couple of games,” Mikel said. “We thought, ‘__, we are getting this Jadon Sancho from Dortmund.’ He’s gone. I don’t know what’s happened to Jadon. He’s disappeared, off the grid.”
Mikel highlighted Sancho’s inability to influence games, pointing out his reluctance to take on defenders and create chances.
“He takes the ball, he doesn’t go past people any more, he doesn’t create chances. He doesn’t help the team as much as he should be.”
Defensive Lapses and Lack of Leadership
Mikel also criticised Sancho’s defensive contributions, particularly in Chelsea’s recent back-to-back defeats to Brighton. The Nigerian midfielder expressed his frustration with Sancho’s failure to track runners and make tackles, which he believes contributed to the team’s defensive vulnerabilities.
“There was no one telling Sancho for the first goal, ‘You should have tackled for that.’ I saw a lot of players, the body language was horrible. People with their hands on their waist,” Mikel said.
He added, “The third goal, they passed the ball between Sancho and Cucurella. Jadon didn’t go with the runner. This is the responsibility of the players. This is not the manager’s fault.”
Mikel’s comments underscore the growing concerns about Sancho’s work rate and attitude, issues that also plagued his time at Manchester United.
A Fresh Start Gone Wrong
Sancho’s move to Chelsea was supposed to be an opportunity to reignite his career after a disappointing spell at Old Trafford. However, his struggles in west London have only reinforced the perception that he lacks the consistency and mentality to succeed in the Premier League.
Speaking earlier in the season, Sancho expressed his desire for “freedom” at Chelsea, but Mikel’s scathing assessment suggests that the winger has failed to embrace the responsibility that comes with playing for a top club.
“Sancho said he wanted ‘freedom’ at Chelsea. But he is not free of the spotlight and scrutiny, letting fans down at his new club,” Mikel remarked.
Manchester United’s Perspective: Cutting Their Losses
For Manchester United, Sancho’s struggles at Chelsea have validated their decision to part ways with the winger. While the £25 million fee represents a significant loss on their initial investment, it also provides the club with much-needed funds to reinvest in the squad.
Sancho’s time at Old Trafford was marked by flashes of brilliance but ultimately defined by inconsistency and a lack of impact in big moments. His inability to replicate his Dortmund form in the Premier League has been a source of frustration for United fans, and his performances at Chelsea suggest that the issues run deeper than just the environment at Old Trafford.
As Ruben Amorim looks to rebuild United’s squad, the funds from Sancho’s sale could prove crucial in addressing the team’s weaknesses and bringing in players who can make an immediate impact.
The Bigger Picture: Lessons Learned
Jadon Sancho’s career serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of transitioning from one league to another and the importance of mentality in achieving success at the highest level. Once regarded as one of the brightest talents in European football, Sancho’s decline has been a stark reminder that talent alone is not enough to thrive in the Premier League.
For Manchester United, the focus must now shift to identifying players who not only possess technical ability but also the resilience and determination to succeed under pressure. As the club looks to move forward under Ruben Amorim, the lessons learned from the Sancho saga will undoubtedly shape their approach to recruitment in the coming years.
What do you think about Jadon Sancho’s struggles at Chelsea? Was United right to cut their losses and sell him? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or on our social media channels.
