Ole Gunnar Solskjaer breaks silence on Jadon Sancho’s exile and hints at intriguing reason why he’s struggled at Man Utd
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has hinted at why Jadon Sancho has struggled at Manchester United.
The winger arrived to much fanfare in a £73million move from Borussia Dortmund in 2021.
Solskjaer, 50, was in charge at the time, but was sacked just four months later.
Sancho is currently in Man United exile after falling out with boss Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman criticised the England international's training levels, only for Sancho to effectively accuse his manager of lying.
Speaking to , Solskjaer has revealed that he was keen on the transfer at the time.
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He admitted: "Yes, I wanted to sign him. Manchester United will never sign a player the manager doesn’t want.
"That’s not the case everywhere.
"Jadon was put up as the No1 target for the right wing by the scouts and when you look at his talent, I could see why."
The Norwegian then offered an intriguing tactical reason as to why Sancho has not delivered his best form since moving to OId Trafford.
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He added: "Unfortunately, it has not worked out.
"When he arrived, he had to go to hospital and that was a setback as he couldn’t start the first games.
"He’s immensely talented and we haven’t seen the best of him. I hope we do, but he prefers to play left wing… where Marcus (Rashford) plays."
Sancho has made 82 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 12 goals and laying on six assists.
He has made three substitute appearances this season, but hasn't featured in United's last two matchday squads.
Solskjaer also revealed that he tried to sign Jude Bellingham while United boss - and that he respects young starlets like Sancho that are eager to join a massive club early on in their careers.
He said: "We wanted Jude Bellingham badly — he’s a Man United player, but I respect he chose Dortmund. That was probably sensible. But it’s why I respect Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Dan James and Jadon.
"Young players prepared to come into a team that wasn’t 100 per cent there like it was when I arrived."
