Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hailed the signing of Jadon Sancho. The Red Devils lock horns with Brentford in a pre-season friendly tonight. But the 21-year-old won’t be involved in that match.
Manchester United signed Sancho from Borussia Dortmund last week, paying £73million to secure the arrival of the England international.
It represents a major coup for the Red Devils, who had previously missed out on the 21-year-old in 2017, 2019 and 2020 before getting a deal over the line.
And Solskjaer, writing in his programme notes ahead of United’s pre-season clash with Brentford, has hailed the forward for what he can bring to his team.
“I’m absolutely thrilled that we have managed to conclude a deal for Jadon Sancho, who we regard as one of the most exciting young attackers in the game,” he said.
“While it’s also great to have Tom Heaton back home in our goalkeeping department once more.”
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Solskjaer also hinted that United will look to bring more players in, with a deal for Raphael Varane close to completion.
“There are loan deals already arranged for some of the boys and I would expect more to be agreed in the coming days and weeks,” he said.
“And those are important because we have some really talented lads who need to get out there and play competitive senior football.
“A number will, of course, remain part of our group here, but this is already a highly competitive squad which is even stronger than last season.
“I’m hopeful that there might be a little more business done by us before the summer window closes, while I’m also mindful that a lot of our squad members underwent great development on loan last term, so there’s no question that we go into this season in better shape than last season.”
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Sancho recently thanked Borussia Dortmund for their trust in him after moving to Old Trafford.
“This is a hard message to swallow,” he said on Instagram.
“First of all I just want to start off by thanking Borussia Dortmund for everything they have done for me, taking the risk on a young 17-year-old at the time with no first team experience and believing in me.
“The love I will always have for this iconic club will never be matched. From the very first moment I walked into the stadium I felt at home and knew I had made the right decision.
“I was welcomed with open arms by everyone associated with the club. Moving to Germany was not only football, I had to adapt to a new lifestyle and culture.
“Leaving the UK when I was 17 was seen as a big risk for some, as I was not only going to play abroad but I was leaving home and family.
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“I’ve always wanted to showcase my talent on the global stage and Dortmund gave me the opportunity to do so, for that I will forever be grateful.
“For all the amazing staff, coaches, everyone involved in the club, I want to say a massive thank you again for looking after me during my time as a club. I will miss you all dearly.
“I’m privileged to have shared the pitch with every Dortmund player that has been at the club. I’ve learnt so much from all of you talented players. Thank you for playing a part in me bettering myself as a player and understanding the game of football at a top level.
“To the club, you made a young kid dream. You made me who I am today. I was able to gain experience as quickly as possible at such a young age and was able to achieve historic milestones. This club gave me a chance to play in the Champions League, every kid’s dream. This club also gave me the profile to represent my country. I owe a lot to this amazing club.
“Dortmund will always be a part of me and I will always miss, love and be grateful to the club, the team and especially the supporters who supported me through thick and thin. I hope you can respect my decision. The most beautiful part of friendship is to understand and to be understood.
“Danke Schon BVB.”
Sancho also labelled his move to United ‘a dream come true’.
“I’ll always be grateful to Dortmund for giving me the opportunity to play first team football, although I always knew that I would return to England one day,” said Sancho.
“The chance to join Manchester United is a dream come true and I just cannot wait to perform in the Premier League.
“This is a young and exciting squad and I know, together, we can develop into something special to bring the success that the fans deserve.
“I am looking forward to working with the Manager and his coaching team to further develop my game.”
