Jadon Sancho’s thoughts on Manchester United’s new managerial appointment, Michael Carrick, have emerged
Michael Carrick managed Jadon Sancho briefly(Image: 2020 Soccrates Images B.V.)
Jadon Sancho has already made his thoughts clear on Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick in a private conversation.
Carrick was appointed as United’s temporary boss last week until the end of the season, replacing the recently sacked Ruben Amorim. Last weekend’s 2-0 win in the Manchester Derby was not his first game in charge, however, as he stepped in to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as caretaker in late 2021 after the Norwegian was dismissed.
The former midfielder was at the helm for three games prior to Ralf Rangnick’s appointment, winning two and drawing one. One of his players at the time was the then-newly signed Sancho, who had arrived for £73million the previous summer.
FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page
Despite Sancho enduring a torrid time at Old Trafford and only being coached briefly by Carrick, the 44-year-old left a lasting positive impression on the winger.
That was clear to see when Carrick was appointed Middlesbrough boss in October 2022, and one of his players that season, Chuba Akpom, shed light on what he had been told about the manager previously by his friend Sancho.
Akpom, who scored 28 goals that season for Boro, told Middlesbrough’s official website: “No [I wasn’t concerned about Carrick’s arrival], I was actually really excited because a good friend of mine is Jadon Sancho at Manchester United and he had nothing but good things to say about the manager, so I kind of knew already what to expect from the gaffer. But I didn’t know it’d go this well.”
Akpom’s fine form saw him secure a big move to Ajax that summer. Carrick, meanwhile, was sacked after two and a half years in charge of the north east club in June 2025.
Aston Villa loanee Sancho was a fan of Carrick(Image: PA)
Sancho, too, faced struggles in Manchester under several managers before a spat with Erik ten Hag saw him loaned to former club Borussia Dortmund in the second half of the 2023/24 season.
The 25-year-old spent last season on loan with Chelsea, who decided not to exercise their option to make his move permanent, paying United a £5m penalty in the process. Sancho has been on loan at Aston Villa since the start of this season and is expected to leave United in the summer once his current deal expires.
It is unclear whether Carrick will consider giving the Englishman another chance, having once sung his praises. The United boss said in 2021: “He’s a terrific player, Jadon.
“He’s never happier than when the ball’s at his feet, he’s trying to create things, going at defenders, linking inside with forwards, creating chances and scoring goals.
“Who’s to say how far he can go? Hopefully he fulfils every little bit of potential that he has. The potential he’s got is massive, if he keeps doing the right things and keeps on the right track, then he’s got a great chance.”
