Jurgen Klopp has voiced strong criticism regarding Manchester United’s decision to offload Jadon Sancho, suggesting that the club should have shown more support to the player rather than deeming him “useless.”
Sancho’s future at United became uncertain this summer after a promising loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, where he played a key role in helping the team reach the Champions League final. This followed a turbulent period at Old Trafford, marked by a public fallout with manager Erik ten Hag. Sancho had criticized Ten Hag after being excluded from a matchday squad last year, leading to his eventual marginalization.
Sancho’s time at Manchester United has now come to an end, with the £72 million winger securing a deadline-day loan move to Chelsea, which includes an obligation for the Blues to buy him. Klopp, however, believes that Sancho deserved more backing from his former club before his exit.
Reflecting on the situation prior to the transfer, Klopp said, “If the whole world loses trust and faith in the player, the manager has to stand by him. I can’t support the idea of labeling him as ‘useless,’ a sentiment echoed by some clubs who buy a player for £80 million and then send him out on loan.”
Sancho’s stint at United was underwhelming, with just 12 goals to his name. His struggles also cost him a spot in the England squad, but he now aims to make a fresh start with Chelsea, despite facing fierce competition for a place in the squad.
Manchester United’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, explained the club’s decision to let Sancho go by highlighting the depth in their attacking options. Ashworth told Sky Sports, “With any player, whether it’s Jadon, Scott [McTominay], or Aaron [Wan-Bissaka], if they express a desire to move to a new club and it aligns with our interests, we need to consider it. We felt we had sufficient depth in that position with four quality wide players, so it made sense to let Jadon go if it benefited both him and us.”
As Sancho embarks on his new chapter with Chelsea, the debate over his departure from Manchester United continues, with Klopp’s remarks underscoring the ongoing scrutiny of how big clubs handle their high-profile players.
