Jadon Sancho’s highly anticipated debut for Aston Villa has left many, including Jamie Redknapp, questioning whether the former Manchester United winger truly strengthens Unai Emery’s squad. Sancho, who secured a season-long loan move to Villa Park after being frozen out by new United boss Ruben Amorim, failed to make a significant impact in a Carabao Cup defeat to Brentford.
It’s been a rocky journey for the 25-year-old, who spent last season with Chelsea following a well-publicised fallout with United’s previous manager Erik ten Hag. His time at Stamford Bridge ended with the Blues willing to part with £5 million to avoid making the arrangement permanent. Now, at Villa, there are doubts whether Sancho’s move will bear fruit.
Jamie Redknapp, speaking during Sky Sports coverage, expressed scepticism about the impact Sancho could have, especially in comparison to Villa’s previous loan success with Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio. “It’s too soon to draw definitive conclusions,” remarked Redknapp, “but the spark that Rashford and Asensio brought last term seems absent. I don’t feel the same buzz with Sancho in the squad right now.”
Rashford had previously enjoyed a fruitful half-season stint at Villa Park before his move to FC Barcelona. His and Asensio’s contributions were significant, casting doubt on whether Sancho’s arrival represents progress. As the Claret and Blue languish 19th in the Premier League, having yet to score in their opening four matches, Redknapp’s concerns about their prospects this season echo loudly. “Are they going to be competing for the top five? With this squad, I’m not convinced.”
Adding to the discourse, BBC Sport’s Matthew Henry highlighted Sancho’s lack of involvement in the Brentford fixture. The winger was overshadowed during the match, particularly as fellow newcomer Harvey Elliott scored Villa’s first goal of the season before they succumbed to an equaliser by Brentford’s Aaron Hickey, eventually losing on penalties.
Henry observed Villa’s enhanced attacking threat only emerged after late substitutions, including Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers. “Sancho remained on the periphery on the left wing, overshadowed by Elliott’s central play and the late impact of others,” Henry penned after the match.
For Sancho and Aston Villa, the season looms large with ups and downs anticipated. Emery’s squad will need more than a name to reignite their campaign hopes. As both fans and pundits wait to see if Sancho can rediscover his electrifying Borussia Dortmund form, patience may be in short supply.
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