Jadon Sancho received a hugely warming welcome back to Old Trafford as the star winger made his long-awaited return for Manchester United in the club’s Carabao Cup semi-final victory over Nottingham Forest.
United have made it to their first final under new manager Erik ten Hag since the Dutchman took charge of the then-struggling Red Devils in the summer beating Forest 2-0 on the night – 5-0 on aggregate – to set-up a Wembley showdown with Newcastle.
But the second-leg encounter also celebrated Sancho’s return following his lay-off with the 22-year-old coming off the bench to mark his first appearance in over two months.
United fans inside the stadium gave the player a warm ovation as he stepped back onto the hallowed turf, but his appearance also got supporters online showing their love.
Sancho was called upon by Ten Hag in the 63rd minute as he replaced right-winger Antony and take up his favoured position on the right of United’s front three.
The 22-year-old endured a relatively uneventful time on the pitch and appeared to slot neatly into his position, linking up with teammates well as the hosts cruised to victory over a lacklustre Nottingham side in the knockout clash.
Fans, players, opposition staff and social media echoed with empathy for Sancho’s return following the player’s relatively unexplained period of leave from the club that saw him head to Holland for individual training.
His nursing back into a United side flying high on confidence has been superbly well-managed as Sancho was handed as much rest and support as deemed necessary.
Immediate comments in the wake of Sancho’s return showed the emotional support of United’s dedicated online fanbase.
One supporter noted how Sancho was smiling like a kid before being subbed on at Old Trafford and was ‘back doing what he loves’.
Well-known Youtuber and celebrated United supporter Mark Goldbridge kept things simple as he tweeted: ‘Sancho Returns!’
The good-natured Twitter love-in continued as more well-wishers praised Sancho’s return, saying they were ‘absolutely delighted for him’.
While another quipped that the former England international’s appearance was ‘by far the best bit of the game so far’.
Sancho’s promotion to the United matchday squad comes at a crucial time for the club as they battle on four fronts in the Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League, and Carabao Cup.
Should he be able to reach the heights that his big-money arrival previously brought with it then Sancho will be like a brand new signing for the club.
SOURCE: dailymail.co.uk
