Why Ralf Rangnick believes Jadon Sancho is becoming the ‘perfect’ player for Manchester United

Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick reckons that Jadon Sancho is slowly becoming the ‘perfect’ player for United’s style of football.

In his pre-match press conference ahead a crucial match against Brighton in the race for the top four, Rangnick said that Sancho’s strengths complement United’s new 4-3-3 system.

Sancho has had a rough start to life in England’s top flight, and didn’t register a Premier League goal at Old Trafford until this month, netting in a disappointing draw at home to Southampton.

Post-winter break, Sancho has arguably been United’s standout performer, registering solid displays against Middlesbrough, Southampton and Burnley.

When a deal was struck under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, he signed the winger to play on the right, with Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba preferred on the left.

Since Sancho has been deployed on the left recently, he scored in an FA Cup fourth round defeat to Middlesbrough, and against Southampton, but his team-mates’ poor performances have meant his recent run of better form has largely gone unnoticed.

His transfer was a hefty outlay for United, who spent around £72 million for Sancho, in a summer where the went big signing the likes of Raphael Varane too.

Perhaps burdened by his reputation in the Bundesliga, and the pressure of a massive fee on his shoulders, it is only now we are potentially seeing the Sancho that was expected.

Rangnick said on Sancho: “The step to a club like Manchester United is a big one for anyone, at the time a 21-year-old, that was a massive step and this takes time.

“The style of football we play fits perfectly with his assets and strengths coming from the left side and I also try to show him and give him my support.”

• United host Graham Potter’s Brighton on Tuesday, February 15, with kick off at 8.15pm.