Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has launched a passionate defence of Jadon Sancho following criticism of the start the £72million summer signing from Borussia Dortmund has made to his Manchester United career.
The 21-year-old has been used sparingly so far by his new manager and although he has made eight appearances in all competitions, only on occasion has he completed 90 minutes.
Sancho is yet to register an assist or open his goalscoring account for United, but retained his place in the England squad Gareth Southgate named earlier this week ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Hungary.
Despite selecting the winger, Southgate intimated he was fortunate to have been chosen, while former England internationals Paul Ince and Danny Murphy have taken issue with Sancho’s form in recent weeks.
Solskjaer, however, hit back at Southgate on Friday ahead of this afternoon’s game against Everton, suggesting the Three Lions boss must have missed the midweek win over Villarreal, during which Sancho was, in his opinion, ‘electric’.
‘Was that interview done before Wednesday night?’ he said when Southgate’s comments, made on Thursday afternoon, were put to him.
‘Jadon was exceptional, he was electric. The crowd loved him and I think he felt that connection. He was direct, positive, he went past the full-back numerous times. Yes, he’s not scored yet but I thought ‘that’s Jadon and we’re going to see lots of that’.
‘Gareth has also said it’s important that Jadon knows (England) believe in him and are invested in him.’
Though Sancho was included in the England squad for World Cup qualifiers against Hungary and Andorra, Southgate chose to leave Mason Greenwood out, arguing the young forward needed to be rested – a verdict Solskjaer supported.
‘Gareth had a frank conversation with Mason and his family and they know the situation,’ he said. “He also knows Mason is really keen on playing for England.
‘Gareth is understanding that the boy is only 20 – he turned 20 today. He’s going to be a top player for England and for Manchester United but he has to be managed in the right way.
‘It gives us a chance to work on his fitness but also to give him a rest because he has been playing in many, many games at a high intensity.’
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