Borussia Dortmund blame Jadon Sancho’s slow start on Man Utd as sporting director Sebastian Kehl compares Erik ten Hag-enforced absence to ACL injury.

Sancho scored his first goal for Borussia Dortmund since signing in January, helping the German giants defeat Werder Bremen 2-1 on Saturday. The Manchester United loanee showed great technique to get past Bremen defender Julian Malatini before scoring.

Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl praised Sancho’s ability after the English winger eventually scored. He even criticised the Red Devils and their manager, Erik ten Hag, for holding the player out of the lineup for nearly the whole first half of the season.
Kehl told reporters after the game, “Doing something like that, you can obviously see what a wonderful footballer he is. You can see how he can make a difference, particularly in one-on-one interactions. Everyone is thrilled for Jadon because they witnessed how hard he worked and how eager he was to serve the squad. Goals help. He’s gotten one or two assists in the past, but this goal will help him and increase his confidence.

“Don’t forget that he hasn’t played in a long time. It’s similar to when a player has a cruciate ligament damage and is sidelined for a long time. We’ll need him again on Wednesday and in the following weeks.”

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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The England international was recently brutally lambasted by the German media for failing to make an impact in his return to the Bundesliga. It took him over two months and 12 appearances in all competitions to score his maiden goal. He has also made two assists.

Borussia Dortmund’s Ian Maatsen celebrates scoring his team’s second goal alongside teammates Jadon Sancho and Marcel Sabitzer.