Jadon Sancho is currently on loan at Aston Villa from Manchester United
Abbie Meehan Sports Writer U-35s
08:00, 23 Jan 2026
Michael Carrick has made his feelings crystal clear(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Michael Carrick holds Jadon Sancho in high regard following their close working relationship during his initial temporary stint in 2021.
The former Manchester United captain has returned to an interim head coaching position at the club for the remainder of the season after Ruben Amorim’s departure. With only the Premier League remaining as a priority, Carrick is expected to assess some of the previously overlooked members of the United squad, with several currently out on loan.
Among those not currently with the club is Sancho, who is presently playing for rivals Aston Villa. They currently sit in third spot in the league standings following an impressive opening half to the campaign.
Sancho has contributed little to this strong run of results, however, having made only seven starts across 28 appearances for the club. The winger has yet to record a goal or assist for his current side and missed their 1-0 defeat to Everton at the weekend through illness.
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While previous temporary moves to former club Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea helped the 25-year-old rediscover some confidence, he has rarely featured in a United shirt since his public row with former manager Erik ten Hag.
Despite this, the sidelined winger could find a route back into Old Trafford through Carrick, who spoke positively about Sancho during his first spell in charge in 2021. After Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s exit, the former midfielder was given a caretaker role, securing two victories and one draw from three matches.
Sancho scored in Carrick’s debut match as manager, a Champions League encounter against Villarreal that United won 2-0. The interim boss was full of praise for the young winger afterwards as he said: “To finish it off, Jadon was brilliant.
Jadon Sancho hasn’t been the shining star fans would expect(Image: Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
“I know how much Jadon loves the ball at his feet and trying to make things happen, it’s where he’s happiest. But on the other side of the game, he put a real effort in defence and it was a big night for him. “
Highlighting his crucial role in the match, Carrick added: “I was so pleased for Jadon. I thought he worked his socks off tonight, I thought he gave everything tonight.
“At times, it wasn’t always with the ball and I know how much he enjoys the ball at his feet and trying to make things happen. He showed a different side tonight and, to get his goal at the end, pretty much capped it off perfectly for him and for us.”
But could he return and make an impact?(Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
These remarks show the potential Carrick saw in Sancho in 2021. Fast forward to the present day, however, and the outlook for Sancho’s career at Old Trafford is looking vastly different.
United could allow the 25-year-old to depart on a free transfer in the summer when his contract runs out. It is believed that United are leaning towards cutting their losses with the winger to avoid paying his wages for another year if he is not required.
However, Carrick’s involvement could prove instrumental in engineering a comeback for the overlooked player – or perhaps even enhancing his appeal to future clubs.
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