Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has backed ‘hard-working’ new addition Jadon Sancho to come good, despite his slow start to life at Manchester United.
After over 18 months of speculation and failed negotiations, the 21-year-old belatedly made the switch to Old Trafford over the summer in a £73m deal, having spent the last four years turning heads with his stunning displays for Borussia Dortmund.
Despite the initial excitement over his arrival, albeit with that somewhat overshadowed by the shock return of Cristiano Ronaldo, it has since fallen a little flat, with the former Manchester City youngster yet to really ignite in his new surroundings.
While it is still early days, the England international is yet to register a goal nor an assist for his new club, having previously registered 54 goals and 67 assists in all competitions during his time in Germany.
In truth, much of his time at United has been spent coming off the bench, with the club’s sheer number of attacking options making it difficult to earn regular game time, particularly with Marcus Rashford now back in action after his recent lay-off.
Ahead of Sunday’s clash with Liverpool, however, manager Solskjaer has insisted that he’s not worried by the summer signing’s recent form and tipped Sancho to go on to be a key player for the club ‘in the years to come’.
“He’s English and lived in Manchester before but he’s not played in the Premier League until now,” said Solskjaer at his pre-match press conference.
“He’s got Champions League experience, great experience with Dortmund, but now it’s the Premier League is the best league in the world and he’s come in here, he’s going to give us so much in the years to come.
“He’s humble, he’s hard working, he wants to learn and I’m looking forward to see him develop and blossom because he will.
“He’s had moments with us that has had the crowd really on the edge of their seats. Can he add the next bit? Yes I’m sure and he will do.”
