Ole: Sancho can help us take the next step
A beaming Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has spoken of his delight at finally capturing his man following confirmation of the signing of Jadon Sancho.
The 21-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year deal, with an option for another year, and Ole can’t wait to work with our new man.
In this exclusive interview with club media’s Mark Sullivan, the boss discusses Sancho’s stand-out qualities and what he hopes to see from him this season…
Solskjaer: Sancho will excite everyone Video
Solskjaer: Sancho will excite everyone
Ole opens up about our long pursuit of Sancho, and tells us why our new star is so special...
Ole, how excited are you to welcome Jadon Sancho to the club?
“Very much so. He’s such a talented boy. As it’s been known all over the world, we’ve followed Jadon for a long, long time. He’s a player that we’ve targeted and we think his qualities will fit right in here at Man United.”
What is it about those qualities that you feel improves our squad?
“He’s such a creative, positive winger and forward player. He can play wide, nip into the pockets and he excites the fans. He takes people on one-against-one, he creates chances, he works hard and he loves football. And there is some untapped talent there I am sure, and coming into this environment will help him improve as well.”
You mention the fans and it’s been no secret that the fans have been crying out for this signature for a long time, as he’s the kind of player fans will be excited about – a proper Manchester United star player...
“Yes, we think so anyway – that’s why we’ve identified him. We’ve followed him and decided to go for him and finally we made the breakthrough and got the deal done. He’s got that DNA of exciting fans and entertaining and he’s also a winner. He wants to win and that’s the next step for us. We need to take the next step, we want to take the next step and we feel that he can help us do that. Of course we’re going to give him a chance to develop more and more throughout time. It’s not like in your first game you have to show everything; we’ve seen so many times with our players that when you play for Manchester United that gradually, with the help of the coaching staff and the platform of Old Trafford, you’ll improve as a player.”
He’s been setting the Bundesliga alight with some terrific performances – how quickly can he and will he adapt to the Premier League?
“I think he made a good decision going to the Bundesliga, it was probably the right step for him, the right level and right club. I think Dortmund have shown so many times what they can do for young talent and in the Bundesliga what that can do. The Premier League is a different animal though. I don’t want to sound disrespectful to the Bundesliga, but I think the Premier League is a step up. We’ve seen that in the last few years in the Premier League, and the teams that have got to finals in Europe and won them, it’s shown it’s the place to be and that’s where Jadon wanted to be. He’s been in England of course, at Watford and over on the other side of the city as well, so he knows what’s expected from him.”
It's official: Sancho is a Red! Video
It's official: Sancho is a Red!
“This is my club, this is where I belong,” says our new recruit, following the confirmation of his transfer...
You are blessed with attacking options and it’s your pleasure now to pick from them. How will you go about utilising them?
“Jadon is a signing that we expect to stay at Man United for many, many years, so it’s also that part of it that we have a young, up-and-coming forward line. There will be injuries and there are always players that you need to give a rest to. For example, you can’t win a Euros that lasts for four weeks with 11 or 12 players – never mind when you’ve got the Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup… it’s a long season and this has strengthened our squad and I’m sure everyone will see that.”
Welcome to United, Jadon Sancho
GalleryIt's fair to say our new signing from Borussia Dortmund looks brilliant in the fresh 2021/22 kit.
Finally for Jadon himself, it’s a great opportunity to work and learn from excellent coaches and players that can only aid his development…
“Yes, I think that’s the challenge now. The boy is going to get a chance, he’s going to come into a group that’s still improving and still developing, getting closer, and the expectations are here. It’s Man United and we know that our fans want us to go one step further than we did last season, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Back to Top