Jadon Sancho ‘grateful’ to Chelsea after loan from Manchester United starts with star turn

On-loan attacker Jadon Sancho has thanked Chelsea after starring for them at Bournemouth in the Premier League on his first appearance following his switch to Stamford Bridge for the rest of the season.

Former England attacker Sancho joined United for £73 million from Borussia Dortmund in July 2021 but has struggled at Old Trafford and returned to the German club on loan for the second half of last season.

“It’s amazing to make my debut for Chelsea,” the 24-year-old told Sky Sports after setting up the only goal of the game by Christopher Nkunku.

“I have to say thank you to the staff and players. From the first day they’ve made me feel welcome. I’m grateful to be back playing.”

“I’ve been working hard for this moment” 💪

Jadon Sancho after assisting on his dream debut for Chelsea 💬 pic.twitter.com/VFKPNMtPo4

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 14, 2024

Bournemouth vs Chelsea: Sancho assist

Nkunku’s clever finish four minutes from time gave Chelsea two Premier League away wins out of two after the Blues survived their opponents missing a penalty and hitting the woodwork twice.

Sancho’s assist at the Vitality Stadium was his first in England since he produced one for United against Chelsea in May 2023.

He replaced £54 million summer signing Pedro Neto at half-time and was presented with the Player of the Match award by Nkunku, who netted seven minutes after coming on.

“He looked like he was really enjoying his football!” 🤩

Jamie Carragher on Jadon Sancho’s move to Chelsea, which could get his career “back on track” ⬇ pic.twitter.com/DV5N3Shmlx

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 14, 2024

“We dug in,” said Sancho, who Chelsea are obliged to buy for around £25m at the end of his loan. “I’ve been working hard for this moment and I’m just happy I got my chance.

“I had a great end to last season, being in the Champions League final. I told myself I’d have a great start to this season and it’s great to start with a win.”

“All the noise around Jadon Sancho and Joao Felix… I don’t care!”

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca “doesn’t see anything negative” around Jadon Sancho and Joao Felix 🔵 pic.twitter.com/K1AV8WbblC

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 14, 2024

Sancho, Joao Felix ‘good’

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said he did not “see problems” with Sancho or forward Joao Felix, a £45m signing from Atletico Madrid on August 21.

Both players have come under scrutiny because of their form in recent seasons, and Felix opened his account in his second spell at the club in their 6-2 win at Wolves in their previous league away game.

“I don’t see anything negative,” added Maresca. “For me, Jadon and Joao are very good players. I knew [Sancho] was a very good player and can help us.

“All the noise around [his attitude]… I don’t care. With us, he’s very polite. He’s training well on and off the ball.”