Jadon Sancho showed Manchester United fans exactly why Erik ten Hag was right to deploy him in a different position against Leicester on Sunday.
Sancho has so far failed to live up to expectations at Old Trafford following his blockbuster £73 million move from Borussia Dortmund in 2021.
The English youngster - an academy graduate of cross-town rivals Manchester City - was one of the hottest talents in world football when he swapped yellow for red, but he's struggled for form and consistency under three different managers at United.
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Sancho's place in Erik ten Hag's plans was cast into further doubt last summer when the Dutch coach brought Brazilian winger Antony with him from Ajax. The good form of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho has also limited Sancho's minutes this season.
On Sunday Sancho started United's 3-0 defeat of Leicester on the bench, but he lit up Old Trafford when he was introduced at the start of the second half.
While Sancho is a winger by trade, Ten Hag has recently developed a tactic to get the most out of his talented youngster. Against the Foxes, it worked to perfection.
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Sancho played as a number 10 rather than out wide, with Bruno Fernandes instead taking up a position on the right flank.
The new role seemed to fit Sancho like a glove, as he showed his full repertoire of technical ability and vision. His excellent cameo was rewarded with a goal, as he steered home Fernandes' cut back to put the result beyond doubt.
On Twitter, United fans were certainly excited by Sancho's potential in his new role.
"I think in the current version of the squad, Sancho as the 10 makes the most sense," @Casey_Evans_ assessed. "Rashford and Garnacho prefer the left and neither right back really offers him the necessary support."
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"United look more liquid with Sancho 10 and Bruno RW. Their possession games and how they see football suits those respective roles more. Conductor and direct creator," said @Adroit_Cadet.
Some even got a little emotional, with @UTDlegendary tweeting: "That Sancho performance at 10… I am moved."
Referencing Antony's own struggle for form, @utdcynical said: "£100m on a right winger when Bruno RW and Sancho #10 was the solution…Sancho #10 has rocked my world. Perfect position for him."
Featured Image Credit: Sky SportsTopics: Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Manchester United, Premier League, Erik Ten Hag, Leicester City, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes
