Jose Fonte believes Jadon Sancho could be given a "fresh start" at Manchester United next summer with a new era at Old Trafford about to begin with Ruben Amorim in charge.
Erik ten Hag was sacked as United boss last month after a poor start to the 2024/25 season. Amorim will officially kick off life as Ten Hag's successor after the ongoing international break with United taking on Ipswich Town in seven days' time.
Sancho moved to Chelsea in the summer on an initial loan deal from Man United. The agreement struck between the two clubs was an obligation for the Blues to purchase the 24-year-old next summer once his loan deal expires.
The conditions are if Chelsea finish within the first 14 places in the Premier League table, then Sancho will permanently become a Blues player next summer. Chelsea will pay United around £20million, football.london understands, with the fee potentially rising to £25million in add-ons based on performances at Stamford Bridge.
Former Southampton and West Ham United defender Fonte, though, believes if those conditions are not met then Sancho will have the opportunity to prove himself in Manchester once more. "Jadon Sancho will get a chance to impress Ruben Amorim in the summer because it's a fresh start and a new opportunity for everyone," Fonte said in an interview with JeffBet.
"Something might click between him and Amorim because he knows exactly what he wants from his players in every area of the pitch. He also likes to give the No.10s freedom to be creative and that's exactly what Sancho needs. It could be a great opportunity for him."
Sancho started his loan spell at Chelsea in excellent fashion. Coming on as a half-time substitute away at Bournemouth in September, the Camberwell-born winger produced the assist for Christopher Nkunku late on in what turned out to be the decisive goal of a tight game on the south coast.
Back-to-back appearances against West Ham and Brighton were to follow for Sancho and he recorded an assist in both of those matches as well. Less impactful cameos against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool followed before illness and a minor injury has kept him sidelined in the last few weeks.
Either way, Enzo Maresca's style of play really seems to suit Sancho, who endured a torrid time at Man United before making the move to west London. "I think it's the manager who really drew me to the project," Sancho said on Maresca after signing for the club late in the summer transfer window.
"I knew him from his time with Pep Guardiola in Manchester City. He spoke to me about this project and what he was building here, and for a young player like myself it's exciting and I can't wait to get started."
Sancho continued: "They're signing me for a reason and to contribute to the team, and I'm ready to do that. I enjoy his style of play.
"The wingers when they get on the ball, he loves them to go one versus one and be direct. We play a lot of one-twos with the No.10s and the striker combination plays. It is very attractive and it is a style that I play."