Ex-Man Utd Boss Drops Bombshell About Jadon Sancho's Hidden Struggles

Ex-Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjær has disclosed that an ear infection played a role in Jadon Sancho's troubled beginning at Old Trafford.

Following his impressive performances in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund over multiple seasons, Sancho attracted significant transfer attention before United secured his services for £73 million ($96 million) during the 2021 summer window.

The attacking midfielder was expected to make a substantial impact at Old Trafford, however Sancho has experienced a deeply frustrating tenure with the Red Devils. By the conclusion of the 2025–26 campaign, he will have spent two-and-a-half seasons away on loan spells with Dortmund, Chelsea and presently, Aston Villa.

Sancho's last Premier League appearance for Man Utd came in August 2023, and he's unlikely to don the club's jersey again. During his 83 matches for the Red Devils, the English player found the net 12 times while providing six assists.

While a significant dispute with Erik ten Hag certainly played a part in his downfall, his initial United manager, Solskjær, has indicated that Sancho's Manchester journey was troubled from day one.

Solskjaer: I Never Got Chance to Work With Sancho Properly

During an appearance on Sky Sports' The Overlap, the Norwegian expressed his original enthusiasm about the acquisition, feeling Sancho could provide "something different in the final third."

"We sought players capable of unlocking defensive teams, and Jadon, with his technical ability, combination play, and intricate passing in the penalty area, delivered exactly that," Solskjær explained.

"Unfortunately, he faced setbacks. Prior to joining us, he took a vacation, which is normal, but contracted an ear infection during his break. He required hospitalization and really battled through his initial ten days before he could begin training with the squad. This information hasn't been shared publicly before. I never truly had the opportunity to work with him effectively, because just as he was regaining his fitness, my departure was already imminent."

Sancho made substitute appearances in United's opening two matches of the 2021–22 campaign, and didn't register his debut Man Utd goal until after Solskjær's dismissal following a 4–1 loss to Watford in November.

Whether Sancho's Manchester experience would have differed under the Norwegian's continued leadership remains unknown, but he must now concentrate on earning a place in Unai Emery's Villa squad if he wishes to maintain his status at an elite European institution.