What Jadon Sancho thinks of Michael Carrick after Man Utd conversation | Football | Sport

Jadon Sancho has previously revealed his opinion of Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick during a private chat. Carrick took charge as United’s caretaker boss last week for the remainder of the campaign, stepping in after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal.

Last weekend’s 2-0 triumph in the Manchester derby wasn’t his first outing as manager, though, having previously filled the role following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking in late 2021. The former England midfielder oversaw three matches before Ralf Rangnick’s arrival, securing two victories and one draw. Among his squad during that brief spell was the recently-acquired Sancho, who had joined for £73million the preceding summer.

Although Sancho struggled during his time at Old Trafford and worked under Carrick for only a short period, the 44-year-old clearly made a favourable impact on the winger.

This became evident when Carrick was named Middlesbrough boss in October 2022, with one of his players that campaign, Chuba Akpom, revealing what his mate Sancho had previously told him about the coach.

Akpom, who netted 28 goals that campaign for Boro, revealed to Middlesbrough’s official website: “No [I wasn’t concerned about Carrick’s arrival], I was actually really excited because a good friend of mine is Jadon Sancho at Manchester United and he had nothing but good things to say about the manager, so I kind of knew already what to expect from the gaffer. But I didn’t know it’d go this well.”

Akpom’s impressive displays earned him a significant transfer to Ajax that summer.

Carrick, meanwhile, was dismissed after two and a half years at the helm in June 2025.

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Sancho, too, endured difficulties in Manchester under various managers before a falling-out with Erik ten Hag resulted in him being loaned to his former club, Borussia Dortmund, during the latter half of the 2023/24 campaign.

The 25-year-old spent the previous season on loan with Chelsea, who opted against making his switch permanent, paying United a £5m fee not to sign him.

Sancho has been on loan at Aston Villa since the start of this season and is expected to depart United in the summer when his existing contract runs out.

It remains uncertain whether Carrick will contemplate offering the England international another opportunity, having previously lauded his abilities.

The United head coach said in 2021: “He’s a terrific player, Jadon. He’s never happier than when the ball’s at his feet, he’s trying to create things, going at defenders, linking inside with forwards, creating chances and scoring goals.

“Who’s to say how far he can go? Hopefully he fulfils every little bit of potential that he has. The potential he’s got is massive, if he keeps doing the right things and keeps on the right track, then he’s got a great chance.”