Rio Ferdinand talks about Jadon Sancho’s character in Manchester United’s flop

Rio Ferdinand has praised Jadon Sancho’s character and personality and says he deserves credit for rebuilding his career at Borussia Dortmund after a forgettable spell at Manchester United.

The 24-year-old moved from Dortmund to Old Trafford in 2021, but the high-profile move has not gone well, with two disappointing campaigns and then a public spat with manager Erik ten Hag.

The fallout with the Dutchman saw the England international leave Old Trafford and return on loan to Dortmund, where things have improved dramatically for him.

Sancho will be involved on Saturday night when Dortmund face Real Madrid in the Champions League final at Wembley in a rather remarkable turnaround for him after being locked out of a struggling Manchester United side.

Ferdinand was genuinely impressed, believing the winger should be praised for the strength of character he showed to get his career back on track.

“A lot has been said about him, a lot of negative things, and I think it’s time to give him a bit of credit,” Ferdinand told talkSPORT. — Because I think it was a very difficult time for him. He was criticized, rightly or wrongly.

“In the situation that happened between him and the manager, we can debate who was right and who was wrong. But he was criticized a lot, his confidence was very low, he went into a period of isolation in terms of training away from the team.

“Now he’s gone to Dortmund to rebuild himself, as a footballer, as a human being, and he’s come out the other side.

“Whether he wins the Champions League or not, you have to look at what he has achieved in this short period of time and you say, ‘You know what? This kid has character.”

“He’s got personality, he’s built from the right stuff and I think that’s where he needs credit.”

Speaking last month, Ferdinand said there could be a way back for Sancho to the Red Devils after his loan spell ends, but only if Erik ten Hag is no longer manager at Old Trafford.

“I think the only way he goes back to Manchester United is if Erik ten Hag is not there,” Ferdinand said TNT Sports ahead of Dortmund’s Champions League semi-final second leg against PSG.

“I don’t think they can undermine the coach and not let a player apologize and then bring him back

“I don’t think they will undermine the manager like that. I think Ten Hag needs to go and get out of the building for Jadon Sancho to come back.

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