Jürgen Klopp's comments on Manchester United move resurface after Premier League move
Jürgen Klopp appeared to subtly mock Manchester United and Erik ten Hag for the handball he gave Jadon Sancho before the winger's move to Chelsea.
The 24-year-old was the subject of speculation over his future this summer after returning to Old Trafford following a successful loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, where he helped them reach the Champions League final.
Sancho fell out of favour with the United manager Erik the Hag after a public dispute related to his team omission Face Arsenal in September last year.
Sancho criticised Ten Hag for his reasons for leaving him out of the Emirates clash and was then forced to train alone before being brought back in this summer after the pair aired their differences.
Fans were initially hopeful that the couple's reconciliation would put an end to the conflict, but a deadline change Chelsea It seems to have confirmed that their working relationship was unsustainable.
Chelsea launch loan move included an obligation to buy the winger, meaning his ill-fated spell at Old Trafford is all but over.
Sancho has only been able to show glimpses of his ability in Manchester United – but speaking at an event following the end of his Liverpool career – Klopp appeared to reference the lack of support offered to the player at Old Trafford.
“If the whole world loses confidence and faith in the player, the manager has to be the one behind the player,” Klopp said ahead of Sancho's move to west London.
“I can't believe that 'it's useless' thing, like other clubs did, by the way, buying a player for £80m and then sending him out on loan.”
His comments, which were perceived as a criticism of Manchester United and Ten Hag, have since resurfaced after Sancho was loaned out again.
The England international scored 12 goals in 83 appearances for the Red Devils after joining Borussia Dortmund in 2021.
His struggles at Old Trafford saw him lose his place in the England squad; his last game for the Three Lions came in a World Cup qualifier against Andorra in October 2021.
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Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth has cited the depth of their attacking options as the reason the club offered Sancho an escape route.
The additions of Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee along with Marcus Rashford, AntonioAlejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo were considered sufficient options for the Dutchman, meaning Sancho would likely receive less playing time.
Ashworth told Sky Sports: “I think with any player, whether it's Jadon, whether it's Scott (McTominay) or whether it's Aaron (Wan-Bissaka), if there's a preference that they'd like to move and go to a new club and it's the right thing for them and it's the right thing for us, then that needs to be explored.
“We felt we had enough depth in that particular position to be able to cover it, we've got four really good wing players, Jadon was the fifth, and that allowed us to make that decision. If it was good for him and good for us, it was something we were willing to consider.”
