The Hidden Setback That Derailed Sancho's Manchester United Career
Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has disclosed a previously unknown medical issue that significantly impacted Jadon Sancho's difficult start at Old Trafford following his high-profile £73 million transfer.
In a revealing interview on The Overlap, Solskjaer explained that the England international suffered from a serious ear infection immediately after joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, which required hospital treatment and delayed his integration into the squad.
Solskjaer's Account of Sancho's Troubled Beginning
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was dismissed as United manager just four months after Sancho's arrival, provided detailed context about the challenging circumstances surrounding the winger's introduction to Premier League football.
"He was unlucky, though," Solskjaer stated. "Before he joined, he went on holiday, as you do, and ended up getting an ear infection. He was in hospital and really struggled for his first 10 days or so before he could even start training with us. That hasn't really come out before."
The Norwegian manager emphasized that the timing of this health issue proved particularly unfortunate for both player and club. "I never really got to play with him properly, because by the time he was finding form again, I was already on my way out," Solskjaer revealed, highlighting the limited opportunity he had to work directly with his expensive signing.
Current Situation and Future Prospects
Now 25 years old, Jadon Sancho finds himself at a career crossroads. Despite Manchester United having the option to extend his contract by an additional year to protect his transfer value, the club is reportedly considering allowing him to leave on a free transfer next summer.
The winger is currently spending the season on loan at Aston Villa, continuing his search for the form that made him one of Europe's most sought-after talents during his time in Germany.
Solskjaer also reflected on his original intentions for incorporating Sancho into the United attack, stating: "We wanted to take the next step, not move away from what we had, but add something different. In the final third, we wanted players who could break teams down, and Jadon, with his skill, link-up play, and little passes around the box, gave us that."
The former manager's revelations provide crucial context to understanding why such an expensive acquisition has failed to deliver expected returns for Manchester United, with medical complications compounding the usual challenges of adapting to a new league and environment.
