'Wasn't a single discipline problem' - Ex-Man Utd boss Ralf Rangnick aims veiled dig at Erik ten Hag as he addresses Jadon Sancho's acrimonious Old Trafford exit

Rangnick, who was United interim manager for six months during Sancho's debut season at the club, defended the player's character following his loan move back to former club Borussia Dortmund, having been banished by Ten Hag several months ago after a social media outburst.

"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 said in an interview with Sky Sport Germany.

"He had his best time in Dortmund and, when he was healthy, 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.He no longer had a chance in Manchester [this season].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."

Despite a period out of the team to work on his mental health, Sancho had his best season at United in Ten Hag's first year at Old Trafford with 10 goals and assists in 41 appearances. But less than a month into 2023-24, the manager publicly questioned Sancho's attitude in training and the player claimed in response he was being used as a scapegoat. That led to a banishment from the the first team and, with neither man willing to back down, Sancho's January loan back to Dortmund until summer.

Sancho was only 17 when he swapped Manchester City's academy for Dortmund's senior squad in 2017 in an £8 million ($10m) transfer. Shortly afterwards he was part of the England squad that went on to win the Under-17 World Cup, but was only permitted by his new club to take part in the group stage because he was required for first-team duty back in Germany.

Sancho has just over four months on loan at Dortmund to resurrect his stalled career. But his future beyond that remains uncertain, with no option to buy included in the agreement with United. For the remainder of this season, little will change at Old Trafford as Sancho had long been removed from the fold by Ten Hag. If the winger does well on loan, a decision must be made on whether he is accepted back in Manchester next season or sold to the highest bidder. If he doesn't recapture his form, both Sancho and United have a problem come summer.