Manchester United transfer talk has not affected form, insists Jadon Sancho after England goal

Borussia Dortmund winger netted for the Three Lions in their 3-0 friendly win over Ireland

Jadon Sancho has insisted that his form has not been affected by this summer’s speculation of a move to Premier League side Manchester United.

The Borussia Dortmund winger, 20, is yet to score in the Bundesliga this term but netted his first England goal in 14 months as Gareth Southgate’s side beat the Republic of Ireland 3-0 in a friendly at Wembley Stadium on Thursday.

Sancho has enjoyed an impressive spell in Germany since moving from Man City in 2017 but was constantly linked with the red half of Manchester during the last transfer window. 

Ultimately a move did not transpire, but the winger said he does not believe the persistent rumours over his future have led to his slow start to the current campaign.

Read more: Player ratings as England defeat Ireland at Wembley

“No, I don’t think so,” he replied, when asked if transfer talk has had an impact. “Every player has a little dip in their career and I feel like I’m going through that at the moment.

“It is just how I am bouncing back and I’m just happy to have managers who have faith in me and keep starting me.

“I’m just happy to be starting for England. Every time I play I try to do my best, luckily enough I got the goal and I’m happy to help the team once again.”

Sancho also said he does not feel burdened by a weight of exterior expectations after he burst onto the international scene.

“I just expect a lot from myself personally,” he told ITV. “So when I play, I always try to assist and score and always help the team. A couple of games ago I hadn’t been scoring or assisting, but yesterday I knew I had a chance.”

Sancho was joined in the England squad by Dortmund team-mate Jude Bellingham, who became the third-youngest player to make his Three Lions debut as he came on during the second half against Ireland.

“He deserves it,” Sancho said of the 17-year-old midfielder.

“At Dortmund he gives 110 percent, his performances are world class. I’m happy for him and I’m sure his family will be very proud of him.”

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PA