Jadon Sancho made an immediate impact following his return to Borussia Dortmund on loan, with an assist for Marco Reus.
The game marks Sancho’s first competitive appearance since August, having rejoined Dortmund after a public falling out with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag. After the Dutchman left Sancho out of the squad for United’s 3-1 defeat to Arsenal, he explained the 23-year-old’s absence was down to his “performances in training”.
Sancho, though, was not happy with Ten Hag’s comments as he released a statement on social media branding them “completely untrue” and complaining that he was being made a “scapegoat”.
The incident resulted in a stand-off between the two parties, with Ten Hag exiling Sancho after he refused to apologise. As a result, he completed a loan move to his former club earlier this month and it has not taken him long to make an impact.
Having been named on the bench for Dortmund’s trip to Darmstadt, Sancho replaced Jamie Bynoe-Gittens in the 55th minute with Edin Terzic’s side leading 1-0 thanks to a goal from Julian Brandt.
And just 20 minutes after he was brought on, Sancho linked up with Reus to double Dortmund’s lead. After latching on to an excellent pass from Donyell Malen, Sancho kept his composure and squared the ball for Reus to stroke it into an empty net.
Sancho is delighted to be back at Dortmund after his struggles at Old Trafford, having said after the move was confirmed: “When I came into the dressing room today, it felt like ‘coming home’. I know the club inside and out, I’ve always been very close with the fans here, and I’ve never lost contact with those in charge”.
“I can’t wait to see my team-mates again, go out on the pitch, play football with a smile on my face, prepare goals, score goals and help qualify for the Champions League.” Dortmund’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl added: “Jadon is an absolute difference-maker and I’m looking forward to seeing him in Black & Yellow again soon.
“He knows this city, Signal Iduna Park, our fans and our club. Even though he hasn’t played any competitive games in recent months, we’re sure that he’ll quickly settle back in with us, find his best form and help us to achieve our season objectives with his qualities.”