Jose Mourinho makes worrying Manchester United prediction as Jadon Sancho takes ‘credit’

Manchester United will see Jadon Sancho return to Old Trafford this summer ahead of talks over his future.

He limped off the Wembley pitch with a runners-up medal in the Champions League final in what was his final outing of his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund. Where he plays next season could depend on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s decision on the manager.

Sancho’s falling out with Erik ten Hag prompted his January move back to Germany in the first place, and if he stays, it would likely mean the England full-back will leave, unless he is presented with an unlikely apology. Meanwhile, former boss Jose Mourinho has made a vague prediction regarding United’s 2024/25 season with Ratcliffe now at the helm.

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Mourinho gives the United verdict

Mourinho says United will not enjoy a drastic improvement next season after recording their worst Premier League finish this term. The club lifted the FA Cup last month after being knocked out of the League Cup and Champions League before Christmas.

Since the start of the year, Ratcliffe has installed a new board with more fresh figures set to arrive ahead of the new campaign. However, Mourinho – soon to be Fenerbahce boss – is not too optimistic.

Asked on TNT Sports how he thought United would fare next season, he replied: “A little bit of an improvement, but more of the same. I think at the moment, Pep (Guardiola) is laughing at the misery of the other clubs.”

MEN Sport’s Isaac Johnson says: “United can hardly expect any support from Mourinho given the manner in which he left the club, but it is clear that they have steps to take before they return to the elite table once more.

“Ratcliffe has impressed so far, but the real test will come this summer and will be judged on his managerial appeal and the success of his new board members. A lot of work needs to be done.

“After this season, progress will count as a top-four finish and lifting trophies in the Europa League. Another year without Champions League football could be quite damaging.”

Sancho deserves credit

Rio Ferdinand says Sancho deserves to be hailed for his return to Dortmund after his turbulent years at United. The striker ended his short-term loan spell with three goals and three assists in 21 outings for the Bundesliga side.

Ferdinand told talkSPORT: “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. What he has accomplished in this short period of time has to be looked at 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.”

MEN Sport’s Isaac Johnson says: “Sancho has regained some confidence at Dortmund but is still a long way from the level he was on his £73m move to United in 2021.

“The easiest way the summer plays out is for him to leave if Ten Hag stays – but that’s no guarantee and Sancho could still have a future at Old Trafford if there is indeed a change of manager.

“However, he has shown little evidence of consistent success in the Premier League – his loan spell at Dortmund only proves that the German club is a good fit for him and not that he would be successful anywhere but United.

“However, there will be plenty of clubs after him this summer following his encouraging spell in 2024.”