Rio Ferdinand believes that Jadon Sancho will only consider returning to Manchester United if Erik ten Hag departs from the club.

Jadon Sancho, the talented winger currently on loan at Borussia Dortmund, may have no future at Manchester United unless manager Erik ten Hag departs, according to TNT Sports pundit Rio Ferdinand.

Sancho’s loan move to Dortmund came after a falling out with the Red Devils boss, and he has not featured for the club since August. While some fans have called for Sancho to be given a second chance at Old Trafford, Ferdinand believes it is unlikely under the current regime.

Ferdinand stated, “I think the only way he goes back to Manchester United is if Erik ten Hag is not there. I don’t think they can undermine the manager from a disciplinary standpoint. Unless they change their stance or add some nuance to it, I don’t think they will undermine the manager in that way. The manager would have to leave for Jadon Sancho to come back to Manchester United.”

Since returning to Germany, Sancho has shown signs of his best form and played a crucial role in Dortmund’s 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final. Ferdinand praised Sancho’s performance, highlighting that he had the most dribbles of any player in the knockout stages of the competition this year. He believes that if Sancho can continue to perform at a high level, it will put pressure on Manchester United and raise questions about why he hasn’t replicated that form in a United shirt.

Sancho himself is uncertain about his future, stating, “I really don’t know” where he will be playing next season. However, TNT Sports pundit Owen Hargreaves believes that Sancho should be excited about returning to United.

While Sancho has not yet reached his full potential since joining United from Dortmund in 2021, Hargreaves sees him as part of a new generation of young talent at the club. He believes that United can build something special with players like Sancho, Rasmus Hojlund, Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, and Marcus Rashford, and that they are a few years behind the top teams. Hargreaves encourages Sancho to embrace his role as a United player and showcase his abilities in a red shirt.