Luke Shaw: Jadon Sancho can go right to the very top

Manchester United fans were treated to an amazing transfer window recently with the club making three high-profile signings. Jadon Sancho joined from Borussia Dortmund, Raphael Varane moved from Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford once again. While the media headlines primarily focused on Ronaldo’s incredible return, the importance of Sancho’s signing cannot be understated. At just 21, the hugely talented English winger can be a real asset to the club for several years. Fans were understandably excited to see him at Old Trafford after a year-long wait when the rumours of him joining United first circulated.

However, the talented winger has struggled to find his feet at the club so far. He has shown moments of brilliance but has struggled to maintain that level throughout the match. His second-half cameo against Everton over the weekend was his best outing yet with United. Despite Jadon Sancho’s struggles, Luke Shaw has backed his Manchester United and England team-mate to “go right to the very top” after working closely with him in recent months. The two players were international teammates last summer when the Three Lions reached the final of Euro 2020. In the final, Shaw famously scored a stunning opening goal at Wembley Stadium but the hosts ended up losing the match to Italy in a penalty shootout. 

Shortly after the tournament, Sancho completed his transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Old Trafford. The 21-year-old winger has so far made nine appearances for the club. Despite a slow start to life at Old Trafford, his recent performances have been increasingly effective and it is clear the Englishman is growing sharper with every outing as a Red.

What has been said?

Shaw is currently away on international duty with Sancho as England prepare to face Andorra on Saturday night. Speaking to the media ahead of the World Cup qualifier, Shaw has backed Sancho to show his undoubted qualities for United. 

“Sometimes, for people, it takes time,” Shaw told talkSPORT. “I wouldn’t say struggle because I don’t think he’s struggling at the moment. He’s working extremely hard behind closed doors. He’s training really well and looking really sharp. He just hasn’t had that bit of luck that sometimes you need for your first goal or first assist. But I’ve got no doubt in my mind, it’s coming. 

“The talent he has is unbelievable, he can go right to the very top. It’s just about him staying focused, keep doing what he’s doing in training and working hard. His time will come.”

Shaw on Ronaldo

Shaw then switched attention to Cristiano Ronaldo’s stunning return to United. The left-back has admitted that the Portuguese’s mentality is having a positive influence on the squad. “He’s definitely raised the levels,” Shaw added. “I think there’s no question why he’s been one of the best players in the world over the last 10 years. The way he conducts himself, the standards he sets, and his mentality is one of the best I’ve ever witnessed.

“It’s only good for us as team-mates to be surrounded by someone like that, who will only raise the bar. We need to follow that. Everywhere he goes, he wins, and the standards he sets are so high. We need to equal those standards and push in the right direction with him as a team.

“I haven’t had to mark him yet [in training]. But he’s very sharp, always in the right position to score the goals, and his movement is one of the best I’ve ever seen. It’s no surprise he’s still scoring goals and has been for many years because he’s always in the right place at the right time. That’s a sign of a world-class player.”