Jadon Sancho looks frustrated during Aston Villa’s Europa League match against Maccabi Tel Aviv
Jadon Sancho’s struggles in England continued on Thursday night, as the Manchester United loanee was ripped apart by pundits following a disappointing display in Aston Villa’s 2-0 Europa League victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv.
The winger, handed a rare start by Unai Emery, was expected to prove himself and reignite his career — but his underwhelming 75-minute performance instead raised fresh questions about his long-term future in the Premier League.
Sancho, making just his third start of the season, was part of a rotated Villa squad that saw key players like Ollie Watkins rested. Despite showing glimpses of his trademark skill, the England international failed to make a lasting impact, often drifting in and out of the game as Villa relied on goals from Ian Maatsen and Donyell Malen to secure the win.
Fans and pundits alike were quick to point out Sancho’s lack of intensity, suggesting he has yet to recover his form since leaving Manchester United on loan earlier this year.
Former Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov didn’t hold back in his assessment on TNT Sports:
“A few of those players had the opportunity to show the manager they deserve to be in the starting XI,” Petrov said.
“Really impressed with Maatsen — every time he’s had the chance, he delivers. I’m not sure I can say the same for Sancho. I’m a bit disappointed there.”
Similarly, Dietmar Hamann questioned whether Sancho can ever truly succeed in English football, telling footballblog.co.uk:
“It hasn’t really happened for Jadon Sancho at Aston Villa yet. He’s failed to settle at several English clubs — maybe he needs to go back to Dortmund. He’s got the talent, but confidence and consistency are the issues.”
Hamann went on to note that a third stint at Borussia Dortmund might not be ideal, citing both financial constraints and diminishing returns on repeated comebacks.
Despite the criticism, Unai Emery maintains that Sancho’s development is still on track, emphasizing patience and fitness management.
“I am happy because his impact was good — his electricity, his skill. But he’s not ready to play 90 minutes yet. He’s getting better and better,” Emery explained.
The Villa boss is known for reviving players’ careers, but insiders at the club reportedly remain concerned about Sancho’s sharpness and conditioning. His limited minutes — mostly in cup and European fixtures — reflect an ongoing effort to rebuild both his confidence and physical level.
With seven appearances across all competitions and no goals or assists, Sancho’s time at Aston Villa has yet to justify the excitement that greeted his loan signing. As doubts grow, the question remains:
Can Jadon Sancho still rediscover his spark and prove he belongs in the Premier League?
For now, he’s running out of chances — and patience among fans and pundits alike is wearing thin.
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