Jadon Sancho praised for proving his worth after leaving Man Utd 'under a cloud' as Rio Ferdinand insists even Borussia Dortmund star will be surprised by Champions League progress
Manchester United loanee Jadon Sancho earned special praise from Rio Ferdinand after helping Borussia Dortmund reach the Champions League semi-finals.
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Man Utd crashed out of Champions League group stage
Red Devils' loanee Sancho into semi-finals with Dortmund
Ferdinand hails winger for proving his worth
WHAT HAPPENED?
Sancho returned to Dortmund for a second spell in January, having been exiled from the United team by Erik ten Hag following a public spat. His loan stint at Dortmund has helped to revitalise his career and Ferdinand is delighted that his journey in Germany could potentially culminate in a Champions League final berth.
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WHAT FERDINAND SAID
While covering the Champions League for TNT Sports, former United defender Ferdinand said: "We asked for Sancho to put in a performance, a lot to prove and he’s showing it. He’s left Manchester United under a cloud, he’s now in a Champions League semi-final against PSG. Who could have written that script? He wouldn’t have seen that coming."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Sancho's statistics from Tuesday's game against Atletico may not appear extraordinary as he had just two key passes, two successful dribbles, and one tackle. However, he had 60 touches of the ball and his continuous efforts to influence the game's outcome in the attacking third earned him plaudits from Ferdinand.
DID YOU KNOW?
Sancho has made it further in the Champions League than any United side has managed since 2011 - as per ESPN. If the German giants can get the better of Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals then the English winger will be vying for the coveted silverware at Wembley in June.
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WHAT NEXT?
Dortmund have a couple of Bundesliga matches to deal with against Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig on April 21 and 27 respectively before they shift their focus again to the continental competition. Meanwhile, the Red Devils will take on Coventry on Sunday in an FA Cup semi-final tie as Erik ten Hag's side look to keep their only avenue left to silverware open.