Jadon Sancho has been eased back into the swing of things since his return to the Manchester United first team. His cameo against Leeds United saw him earn United a point at Old Trafford last month. He followed this up with United’s third goal in a 3-1 win over Leicester. The goal displayed everything Sancho is well known for. Interchanging with Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes before slotting comfortably past Darren Ward.
Yet, Paul Parker hasn’t been impressed with Sancho in the slightest and has little sympathy for the wingers on and off the field struggles.
The former Manchester United defender spoke to us and shared his thoughts on Jadon Sancho´s performances since he returned to the squad. He also gave his opinion on whether Arsenal should extend Reiss Nelson’s contract.
Jadon Sancho hasn’t added anything to the team
Jadon Sancho was out for a long time for Manchester United due to some struggles both mentally and playing wise. The Englishman returned to the squad around a month ago but Parker hasn’t been impressed by the winger.
“I don’t find it odd that Jadon Sancho hasn’t got that much game time since he returned to the squad. He hasn’t added anything to the team that justifies that he should play.”
“He hasn’t had one single moment where he has done well since he returned. In the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle, Kieran Trippier was a bigger threat than him, which says it all.”
“Jadon Sancho is not doing his job. Simple as that and they keep trying to make up excuses for him but they aren’t any excuses. The club talks about adjustment issues or mental health issues.”
“But at the end of the day he plays for the biggest club in the world, he was bought for a lot of money and everything is literally served on a plate for him. He should go out and enjoy playing at Man United and it hasn’t happened for him yet.”
I don’t know if Reiss Nelson is completely there mentally
Reiss Nelson who happens to be close friends with Sancho has been quite a firefighter for Arsenal this season as he has scored some very important goals when he has been called up. But the winger has had a lot of injuries, which makes Parker feel that Arsenal should not extend his contract.
“The fact that people are now talking about how much Reiss Nelson deserves a new contract says everything about modern football. He scored one goal after being a regular guest in a doctor’s waiting room and now they want to keep him.”
“I think, if you asked the Arsenal fans after that game against Bournemouth all of them would probably advocate for an extension of his contract. If you ask them now, when they are sober, they would probably be a lot more hesitant.”
“Arsenal should prioritate to get a quality player in to compete with Bukayo Saka instead of extending Nelson’s contract.”
“I don’t know if Reiss Nelson is completely there mentally when it comes to being a regular starter for any club. He feels comfortable with being on the bench just like McTominay from Man United.”
“There are a lot of similarities between Nelson and Ainsley Maitland-Niles. He was in the same situation as Nelson and this season he has been struggling with playing regularly for a poor side like Southampton. You have to ask yourself this question: Is it because they are not there mentally? It must be something with their heads.”
“And of course, injuries have a lot to say as well. Nelson is not a bad player but he is not a player Arsenal should want to keep.”
