Benni McCarthy Lifts Lid on Jadon Sancho Struggles Ahead of Juventus Transfer Talks

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Benni McCarthy Lifts Lid on Jadon Sancho Struggles Ahead of Juventus Transfer Talks

Festus Chuma 06:00 - 04.07.2025

The South African gaffer has shared rare insights into Jadon Sancho’s struggles at Manchester United.

Former Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy says Jadon Sancho’s lack of consistency in training ultimately cost him a regular place under Erik ten Hag.

McCarthy, who was part of ten Hag’s backroom staff during the Dutchman’s turbulent tenure at Old Trafford, has provided fresh insight into the high-profile clash between Sancho and his manager—a rift that preceded the player’s loan exit and now likely permanent departure.

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Sancho, who returned to Borussia Dortmund last season on loan, was publicly criticised by ten Hag for failing to meet training standards. But McCarthy has defended Sancho’s character, revealing the 24-year-old was more introverted than the media portrayed.

“I couldn’t fault Jadon in training. He brings unbelievable quality, ability and skills. He can make you stop in awe and ask yourself just how he can do things. He brought unmatched quality,” McCarthy told betonlinepromocodes.com as quoted by Goal.

Quiet Nature and High Expectations

Jadon Sancho in action for Manchester United against Liverpool (Credit: Imago)

The South African football legend described Sancho as a private figure who often kept to himself after training sessions, which some may have misconstrued as aloofness.

“I think what didn’t help Jadon was that he’s a very closed-off person. He keeps to himself, and from the outside it looked like he wasn’t trying to make friends with his team-mates. He might not have joked around but really he was just quiet, and I don’t think you should judge players on who he gets on with or not,” McCarthy said.

McCarthy also emphasised that ten Hag’s rigorous standards were non-negotiable, requiring every player to show maximum application throughout the week, not just on matchday.

“Based on his ability and craft, I never saw any problems in his relationships. He was quiet natured, and so when training is done, he doesn’t stay to talk, he heads home. He’s very private. I think a bit of an introvert, which isn’t the opinion he gets branded with in the press,” he continued.

Manchester United are preparing to face Norwegian side FK Bodø/Glimt in their pre-season opener next week, Sancho’s future remains a hot topic, with Juventus reportedly leading the race for his signature after Chelsea decided against making his return to the Premier League permanent.

Consistency the Key Word in Sancho Saga

Jadon Sancho

McCarthy revealed that the daily demands of life under ten Hag were perhaps the biggest stumbling block for Sancho, whose brilliance in flashes was not enough to earn consistent trust.

“I think that when it came to Erik, he wanted to see Jadon at his best everyday. Monday to Friday, no days off. I think that’s what the manager would expect from his players, and so it’s up to the players to give it to him. If you can’t do that, you’re going to have problems, and I think the differences and problems then surfaced,” McCarthy explained.

Sancho joined United in a high-profile £73 million move from Borussia Dortmund in 2021 but never fully lived up to expectations at Old Trafford.

He has managed just 12 goals and six assists in 83 appearances, and his once-promising United career now appears all but over.

Despite the friction behind the scenes, McCarthy remains unequivocal in his admiration for Sancho’s talent.

“For me, I don’t have a bad thing to say about Jadon. I loved him, he was unbelievable, sometimes he was unplayable. I don’t want to rush to judgement on players if they’re reserved,” McCarthy added.

Erik ten Hag will be looking to stamp out last season’s inconsistencies ahead of the clash with Bodø/Glimt and United’s supporters are keen to see a fresh start—one that may not include Sancho’s name on the teamsheet.