Ex-Man Utd manager defends Jadon Sancho over 'discipline problem'

Former Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has claimed Jadon Sancho was a ‘calm and pleasant guy’ during his spell in charge at Old Trafford.

Sancho has rejoined Borussia Dortmund on loan for the remainder of the 2023/24 season after being frozen out of the Red Devils’ first-team setup for much of the campaign so far.

United boss Erik ten Hag questioned Sancho’s training level in a press conference in September, but the winger refuted his claims on social media and refused to apologise for his outburst. Sancho was then dropped from the senior side.

In an interview with Sky Sports Germany, Rangnick insisted a move back to Dortmund was good for Sancho, but he never personally saw any signs of a ‘discipline problem’.

Rangnick claims he had a good relationship with Sancho / Alex Livesey/GettyImages

“He had his best time in Dortmund and, when he was healthy, he always played for me. However, he wasn’t as carefree as in Dortmund. But that was also due to the overall situation. When he was fit, he was set and did well under me,” Rangnick said.

“He no longer had a chance in Manchester. He now has to get back into a rhythm and really into shape in Dortmund. From his point of view, the change makes perfect sense.

“In the six months I had him, there wasn’t a single discipline problem. On the contrary. He is a calm and pleasant guy.”

Rangnick joined United in November 2021 as interim manager on a deal until the end of that season after the club parted ways with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He was initially slated to then take on a consultancy role for two more years, but these plans were shelved following the appointment of Ten Hag.

Shortly before he left United, Rangnick was named as the new manager of the Austria men’s national team. He has been considered a huge success so far after leading them to Euro 2024 qualification.