Why Chelsea decided against signing Jadon Sancho from Manchester United this summer

Jadon Sancho has was left out of Manchester United’s matchday squad for Sunday’s game against Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea considered rescuing Jadon Sancho from his Manchester United nightmare this summer but turned down the opportunity despite the out of favour winger being made available for a cut-price fee.

The England international has shown only flashes of the ability that saw him light up the Bundesliga during his time with Borussia Dortmund since his £72.5million transfer two years ago.

Sancho has struggled to live up to his billing under a succession of managers at Old Trafford with Erik ten Hag the latest to lose patience with the 23-year-old.

The former Manchester City star was left out the matchday squad on Sunday as United travelled to Arsenal already missing a clutch of first team stars.

Asked to explain Sancho’s omission, Ten Hag went public with his reasoning and revealed his dissatisfaction with the player’s performance in training.

Sancho responded swiftly on social media, hitting back at his manager’s claims and insisting that he has been made a ‘scapegoat’.

Whether Sancho would have thrived in the equally, if not more, tumultuous environment that is Chelsea’s first team dressing room at present is a matter of conjecture but the Blues were, according to the Daily Mail, ready offer him an escape route earlier this summer.

Doubts about the winger’s mindset, however, are reported to have convinced Chelsea to shelve their interest in Sancho and instead pursue a move for Manchester City starlet Cole Palmer.

Assessing the situation, United legend Rio Ferdinand believes the winger may now have to find a move with the Saudi transfer window closing on 7 September.

‘I’d be in the office saying what the f**k are you talking about, how dare you come out and question my professionalism when I’ve trained as well as anyone this week, what ae you talking about,’ Ferdinand told Vibe with Five. ‘I’d be giving it to him.

More: Trending

‘If you’ve played well. But no way Jadon is putting out a statement if he hasn’t, in his own eyes, performed well. That is the difference.

‘On his chart, Jadon trained alright but the manager will have a certain standard. There is only one way this ends right now. Or two ways, actually.

‘There is only one window open and that is Saudi. Or you’re on the bench or not in the squad for the rest of the season.’

MORE : Manchester United medical staff detected Sofyan Amrabat injury before transfer

MORE : Manchester United winger Antony axed from Brazil squad amid abuse allegations

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.