Cole explains the key to Sancho's form

Many of the Reds' signings take time to settle at the club, and even Cole himself was questioned after arriving at Old Trafford, despite going on to score 121 goals, which puts him 18th on the club's list of all-time leading marksmen.

So the order of the day is perseverance, in the 50-year-old's view, as he appreciates that supporters do allow time for players to adapt to performing on such a big stage.

Sancho had disappointment with England – losing the European Championship final to Italy after a penalty shootout – to contend with, before being hampered by fitness issues during pre-season.

It is also worth remembering that, although he was at Manchester City as a youngster prior to to joining Borussia Dortmund, he had no prior experience of Premier League football.

Hence, it was understandable that he took time to show his true colours at his new club, following the switch to United last summer.

"Jadon found it difficult coming to Manchester United but now he's run into form," Cole explained to club media. "It's been a tough first season for him but, in saying that, he's not the only one who has gone through that. 

"There have been many players who have come to United and found their first season to be really, really difficult.

"Unfortunately, he's been one of those individuals but I think, when you look at his quality, that we all believed he had, this is what he is now showing."

Sancho won our Player of the Month award for February so it was surprising he was not named in the England squad this week for the forthcoming friendlies with Switzerland and Ivory Coast.

Nonetheless, his form has been consistently good of late and he should be a key figure in the run-in, when United return to action next month. It may be telling that he was left on for the full duration of the Atletico Madrid tie in the Champions League, despite a number of attacking substitutions.

Cole has stressed that there is one vital ingredient for any footballer striving to produce his best for the Reds.

"Perseverance," stated the former striker. "It will always be the key. All you have got to do is persevere with individuals and you get what you need.

"With Jadon, a lot was expected of him and it didn't work out the way he would have liked really in the early part of the season. Now we are starting to see the quality he does have."

Andy was speaking ahead of the Legends of the North game against Liverpool on 21 May, which will raise funds for Manchester United Foundation.

Tickets are available for the Old Trafford game, and Coley will be in the United dugout, alongside Bryan Robson, for the charity clash.