BREAKING NEWS: “I knew that he would return to his terrible habits if he gained a bit of comfort at Chelsea. It seems Erik Ten Hag was right about him after all. Amorim must not even consider bringing him back” – This is according to Paul Scholes as Jadon Sancho appears to have reverted to previous habits at Chelsea, reinforcing Manchester United’s initial concerns. The winger’s ongoing struggles reflect challenges with consistency and adaptation, justifying United’s decision to part ways and raising questions about his ability to fulfill his potential.
Chelsea winger Jadon Sancho has faced criticism from former Premier League midfielder Jamie O’Hara, who argues the player is repeating the same mistakes that hindered his time at Manchester United. After a promising start to his loan spell at Stamford Bridge, Sancho has fallen out of favor under manager Enzo Maresca, being left out of several matchday squads and sparking uncertainty about his future at the club.
At 24, Sancho’s career has been marked by highs and lows. His much-anticipated £72 million move from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United was marred by inconsistency and adaptation struggles. Chelsea offered him a fresh start this summer, signing him on loan with a £25 million obligation to buy if the club finishes in the Premier League’s top 14. However, Sancho’s chances to rebuild his reputation and rediscover his form appear to be slipping away.
Sancho began his Chelsea stint strongly, delivering assists in three consecutive games against Bournemouth, West Ham, and Brighton, which raised hopes of a resurgence. Yet, his performances dipped in matches against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool. Officially, Maresca has cited illness as the reason for his recent absences, but O’Hara suggested underlying issues similar to those that troubled Sancho at Old Trafford.
In an interview with Grosvenor Sport, O’Hara expressed disappointment in Sancho’s inability to capitalize on his opportunities. “Sancho had an incredible chance at Chelsea to silence his critics and prove he belongs at the top level. While he showed early promise, he seems to be falling back into the same bad habits that affected him at United.”
At Manchester United, Sancho struggled to secure a consistent role, despite some positive moments with Erik ten Hag during pre-season. Eventually, he was deemed surplus to requirements, with players like Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo, and Antony ahead of him. A similar situation seems to be unfolding at Chelsea, where competition for places is fierce.
O’Hara pointed to Chelsea’s squad depth as a major challenge for Sancho. “The competition Sancho faces at Chelsea is intense. Players like Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke are performing consistently, leaving little room for Sancho to stake his claim. To earn a regular spot, he must make the most of his chances and deliver consistently.”
During the November international break, Sancho returned to training at Cobham, fueling speculation about a potential comeback. However, his participation in Chelsea’s next Premier League game against Leicester City remains uncertain. This season was meant to be Sancho’s redemption, an opportunity to move on from his Manchester United struggles. Without a significant turnaround, though, his story may become one of unrealized potential.
The key question is whether Sancho has the resilience and determination to revive his career. His natural talent is undeniable, but success demands consistency, effort, and adaptability. As Chelsea’s project under Maresca progresses, Sancho must find a way to fit into the team or risk becoming another high-profile player who failed to fulfill his promise.
