For Manchester United to win their midweek match against Brentford, something had to change, and the only surprise was that there was just one.
Wout Weghorst's performance in a United jersey reached its lowest point against Newcastle, and despite his best attempts, it is obvious that he lacks the core skills necessary to consistently produce for a team of this stature.
With few other choices, Erik ten Hag went to Jadon Sancho to energize his attack as part of a spirited front three that prioritized movement and mobility. When asked the rationale behind choosing Sancho over Brentford, Ten Hag responded, "Creativity. Since his return, Jadon has made significant advancements. You already know that he is capable of playing the decisive pass, winning one-on-one battles, and sneaking up from behind to score a goal.
Jadon Sancho's performance against Newcastle two weeks prior was undoubtedly much improved, but that doesn't really mean much given how low the bar was set there.
The 23 year old still doesn't fit into this United attacking line up, and despite some flashes of stardust, he frequently makes the lineup uncomfortable. Given that he is more suited to play against a low block that allows him to penetrate a resolute defensive line, it seemed like the 23-year-old would excel in this game, but he nonetheless underwhelmed.
He nutmegged a Brentford player on the halfway line in the first half, which was an exciting moment, but instead of moving forward himself, he chose to deliver a pass laterally to the opposite flank. Although it is obvious that Sancho has outstanding technical talent, he again seemed to play without any direction and grew smaller as the game went on.
Luke Shaw, who was taken out with an injury late in the first half, had more touches of the ball against Brentford than the former Borussia Dortmund winger, who only had 54.
Jadon Sancho was brought in to address United's right-wing problem, but he has only made it worse, and his best playing for the team has come from the left. In addition to competition from youngster Alejandro Garnacho, the issue is that Marcus Rashford prefers the same position and will only see more playing time there until a new striker is signed this summer.
On the left wing, the Argentinean kid has been a pleasant contrast to Sancho and offers the direct danger that was so glaringly absent on Wednesday night.
The significant investment made in Antony also limits his opportunities to play on the right, and this season, Bruno Fernandes has also received favor there occasionally. Even more difficult to envision a long-term position for Sancho is the prospect that Amad will receive a chance when he returns from loan this summer.
Sancho has been advocated as being more suitable for a No. 10 position in this United side, and there is undoubtedly a case to support it. But that also seems improbable because it would require reusing Bruno Fernandes, which would be a pointless sacrifice to undertake merely to bet on the chance of him succeeding.
Given that there doesn't seem to be a simple fix for a player who has been more of a problem than a performer since he joined the club, all of this only serves to deepen the huge mystery surrounding Sancho.
Manchester United's legend Paul Scholes, few months ago dished out an advise to Erik Ten Hag regarding how to get the best out of the former Borussia Dortmund's ace. The former England international stated that Man United should get a better right back to complement the Red Devils's number 25.
Speaking to BT Sport, Scholes said, “He [Sancho] obviously had his issues and problems that the manager dealt with, he came back and scored a couple of goals"
“I still think there is a player in there, he just needs the right players around him.”
He added, “If United can possibly find a better right-back it might make him a different proposition.”
The fact that the manager who signed him is no longer in charge, and Ten Hag has no loyalty to a £73 million signing who hasn't actually had one full performance under him, doesn't help his cause either.
Ten Hag is reportedly getting "impatient" with Sancho already, and his most recent appearance did little to buy him much more time.
They are no closer to resolving this conundrum.
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