“This is not you man” – Rio Ferdinand baffled by struggling Manchester United star
Rio Ferdinand says he’s perplexed by Jadon Sancho’s problems at Manchester United and that he and teammate winger Antony “deserve more.”
Sancho, whose £73 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund was finalized in 2021, had a strong start to the year, scoring twice in United’s first five games.
However, since September 1, the 22-year-old has only scored once and was replaced during Manchester United’s Premier League match with Chelsea last weekend.
“His confidence is just lacking.” According to Ferdinand, who appeared on the Vibe with Five show, “the confidence and swagger when he went through the doors at Old Trafford isn’t there right now.
“I have no idea what that is. The team is actually putting him in advantageous places, therefore I’m attempting to pinpoint what it is.
“The Sancho I know and have seen is there when the ball reaches him,” You’ll be in a dream world if you can get him on the corner of the box.
But after that, he simply reappears, plays back, and recycles the ball. It’s not you, man.
“I don’t know what it is, and in some games Antony has been the same.” He returns frequently, rarely goes outside, and rarely crosses the ball. He’s entertaining, but he still hands the ball off a lot.
Sancho, in my opinion, has it in him, and I will give him credit for his defensive play. Although his physical condition has been excellent, the other aspect of the game is still lacking, which is why we purchased him.
I want to see more from him and Anthony in that regard. “We didn’t acquire him to be a defender, we bought him to destroy teams,” the owner said.
Since his £82 million transfer from Ajax last summer, Brazilian international Antony has scored three goals in six Premier League appearances.
While he has been happy with his efforts, Ten Hag concedes that the 22-year-old needs to be more adaptable in the final third.
Ten Hag said, “Development,” when asked what he hoped to see more of from Antony earlier this month.
‘I believe we have seen a few of his dribbling prowess and speed by this point. He must now focus on adding more variance to his finishing, as well as his producing.
He is a player who can quickly adapt to playing at a high level and who enjoys and needs difficulties.
Every workout and game for him is a challenge, and he enjoys challenges because they bring out the best in him.
‘I think [Antony] has a lot of room to grow, but I think he’s already performing at a tremendously high level when he becomes the first player in Manchester United history to score three goals in a row. That demonstrates his potential already.