Talking Tactics

New signings: Why Sancho is a perfect fit for Man Utd

By Adrian Clarke 23 Jul 2021

Adrian Clarke explains how 21-year-old will improve Red Devils after signing from Borussia Dortmund

Adrian Clarke analyses players who have changed clubs this summer and can make an impact in 2021/22.

Jadon Sancho (MUN)

Sancho is a gifted young winger who guarantees goals and assists for Manchester United.

Across the last three campaigns with Borussia Dortmund, the 21-year-old has started an average of 25 league matches per season.

During that period Sancho produced more than one direct goal involvement per start, scoring 37 goals and providing 41 assists.

His addition to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's forward line provides Man Utd with a significant boost in firepower.

Sancho's career statistics

Season	Starts	Goals	Assists
2018/19	26	12	14
2019/20	25	17	16
2020/21	24	8	11
Average	25	12.3	13.7

Sancho is predominantly right-footed but can operate anywhere across the forward line.

He impressed on both flanks and occasionally through the middle with Dortmund.

In order to balance United's starting XI, Sancho is likely to be deployed on the right wing, backed up by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is not as offensive-minded as left-back Luke Shaw.

When Shaw overlaps Marcus Rashford down that left side in 2021/22, expect to see Edinson Cavani, Sancho and Rashford inside the box looking to score goals. The trio are outstanding finishers.

With Bruno Fernandes, Mason Greenwood, Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial also available, this United side is blessed with a plethora of goal threats.

How Sancho scores and assists

2020/21	Assists	Goals
Left channel	6	4
Centre	4	3
Right channel	0	0
Set-piece/penalty	1	1

Most of Sancho's direct goal involvements last season were from either central or left-sided areas.

He regularly made in-roads off the back of sharp runs in behind opposition right-backs and by swinging right-footed crosses into the penalty area from the left.

When used as a right winger, most of Sancho's end-product came when he moved infield into a more central position.

If Rashford misses the start of 2021/22 with a shoulder problem, Sancho should be used on the left of United's forward line which suits him well.

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗜𝗚 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 💬

👨‍🍳 @Sanchooo10's recipe for success: goals, assists and a sprinkling of skill ✨#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 23, 2021

United scored six goals from fast breakaways last season and Sancho's style of play will only help them improve in that department.

He is quick and positive in the way he carries the ball towards goal, while using his pace to test defenders with rapid bursts in and out of possession.

This direct approach will help the Red Devils turn defence into attack more frequently.

Last season several teams racked up more "direct attacks" than Solskjaer's men, so Sancho's arrival is a stylistic boost.

Most direct attacks

2020/21	Direct attacks
Aston Villa	95
Leeds	74
Liverpool	72
Spurs	68
Man City	67
Arsenal	63
Man Utd	61
West Ham	61

Sancho's ball-carrying is also exceptional, with only three Bundesliga players completing more successful dribbles than the England international last term.

His key pass stats are just as impressive, a reward for his calm decision-making inside the final third.