Enzo Maresca backs Jadon Sancho amid Manchester United tensions

By Robert Mutasi 

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca leaped to the defence of unsettled Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, dismissing any suggestions that he has an attitude problem. 

Sancho has been central to a very publicised falling out with Erik ten Hag this season, one that has - for large parts - seen him frozen out at Old Trafford. 

However, after spending a period training with Chelsea, Maresca spoke highly of the player.

Maresca said in an interview recently that he did not have any issues with Sancho since the player started working with Chelsea: "I don't consider Jadon Sancho a risk off the pitch. Whatever's happened with Erik ten Hag… I have no idea," Maresca told PA. "I can only judge the player on the weeks he's been with us. He's been perfect." 

There has been an underlying tension in the relationship between Sancho and Ten Hag since early in the season, when the Dutch manager criticized the player's performances in training on the public stage. 

Sancho hit back via social media, saying the comments were not fair on him. 

Since then, he has not been selected for any first-team action, bringing about much speculation over his future at Manchester United. 

During that uncertainty, Sancho has kept away from United-attending some time with Chelsea under Maresca's tuition.

Maresca was appointed this summer in Chelsea and spoke highly of Sancho's professionalism, hinting that the player is closing in on a return to competitive action. 

"Jadon Sancho, I am seeing him the way I expected. It is only a matter of finding the right moment to give him the chance," suggested eventual returns to form may come sooner rather than later from the mouth of the Italian manager himself.

The 23-year-old winger, once touted as one of the brightest young talents in Europe, has struggled to find his best form since signing for Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund in 2021. 

Flashes of brilliance apart, he is yet to consistently show performances that made him a star in the Bundesliga.

This is Maresca reacting to the speculation in the air concerning Sancho's future. 

With the January transfer window getting closer, there are growing speculations that he may move away from Manchester United as his playing time will be guaranteed somewhere else.

For now, Maresca's words would confirm that Sancho stays attached to his art and is prepared for the next chance that comes his way.