“I knew that he would return to his terrible habits if he gained a bit of comfort at Chelsea. It seems Erik Ten Hag was right about him after all. Amorim must not even consider bringing him back” – This is according to Paul Scholes as Jadon Sancho appears to have reverted to previous habits at Chelsea, reinforcing Manchester United’s initial concerns. The winger’s ongoing struggles reflect challenges with consistency and adaptation, justifying United’s decision to part ways and raising questions about his ability to fulfill his potential.

Jadon Sancho’s Chelsea Struggles Draw Criticism from Jamie O’Hara

Chelsea winger Jadon Sancho has faced sharp criticism from former Premier League midfielder Jamie O’Hara, who believes the 24-year-old is repeating the same mistakes that derailed his Manchester United career. After showing early promise during his season-long loan at Stamford Bridge, Sancho has seen his fortunes decline under manager Enzo Maresca. Excluded from several matchday squads, questions are now being raised about his long-term future at the club.

Sancho’s career has been a turbulent journey. Following his £72 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United, the winger struggled to live up to expectations, battling inconsistency and adapting to the Premier League’s demands. Chelsea offered a lifeline during the summer transfer window, acquiring him on loan with a £25 million obligation to buy if the team finishes in the Premier League’s top 14. This move was seen as a fresh start for Sancho, but his current trajectory suggests the opportunity may be slipping through his fingers.

The winger began his Chelsea tenure on a high note, delivering three consecutive assists in matches against Bournemouth, West Ham, and Brighton. These performances hinted at a revival of his potential, inspiring optimism among fans. However, his form dropped significantly after lackluster displays against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool. While Maresca officially cited illness as the reason for Sancho’s recent absences, O’Hara hinted at deeper underlying issues that mirror his struggles at Old Trafford.

Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, O’Hara expressed disappointment in Sancho’s inability to capitalize on the chance to rebuild his career. “Sancho had an excellent opportunity to silence his critics and prove he belongs at the top level. While he initially showed flashes of brilliance, it feels like he’s slipping back into the bad habits that undermined his time at United,” O’Hara remarked.

Sancho’s difficulties at Manchester United were well-documented. Despite a brief reconciliation with Erik ten Hag during pre-season, the winger found himself surplus to requirements amidst competition from Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo, and Antony. United ultimately opted to let him go, and now a similar pattern appears to be emerging at Chelsea.

O’Hara also pointed to Chelsea’s formidable squad depth as a challenge for Sancho. “At Chelsea, the competition is intense. Players like Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke are performing consistently, making it tough for Sancho to secure a regular place in the lineup. To cement his position, he needs to seize his chances and deliver consistent high-level performances,” O’Hara explained.

During the November international break, Sancho returned to training at Cobham, fueling speculation about a potential comeback. However, his inclusion in Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League clash against Leicester City remains uncertain. For Sancho, the stakes are high. This season was intended to be a turning point in his career, a chance to leave his struggles at Manchester United behind. But unless he can quickly regain form, the narrative may once again shift toward unfulfilled potential.

The crucial question is whether Sancho has the mental resilience to overcome his challenges. His natural talent is unquestionable, but sustained success demands dedication, adaptability, and a consistent work ethic. With Chelsea’s project under Maresca showing promise, Sancho must integrate himself into the team’s vision or risk being remembered as another big name that fell short of expectations.