Jurgen Klopp appeared to take a subtle dig at Manchester United and Erik ten Hag’s handling over Jadon Sancho before the winger’s move to Chelsea.
The 24-year-old was subject of speculation over his future this summer after returning to Old Trafford from a successful loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, where he helped them reach the Champions League final.
Sancho fell out of favour with United boss Erik ten Hag after a public spat relating to his omission from the squad to face Arsenal in September last year.
Sancho criticised Ten Hag and his reasons for leaving him out of the clash at the Emirates and was later forced to train alone before being brought back into the fold this summer after the pair aired out their differences.
Fans were initially hopeful the pair’s reconciliation drew a line under the conflict but a deadline day move to Chelsea appears to have confirmed that their working relationship was untenable.
Chelsea’s loan swoop included an obligation to buy the winger meaning his ill-fated spell at Old Trafford is all-but over.
Sancho has only been able to show flashes of his ability at Manchester United – but speaking at an event following the end of his Liverpool career – Klopp appeared to make reference to the lack of support offered to the player at Old Trafford.
“If the whole world loses trust and faith in the player, the manager has to be the one behind the player,” Klopp said prior to Sancho’s move to west London.
“I cannot just buy into that ‘he’s useless,’ like other clubs did by the way – buying a player for £80million and then sending him out on loan!”
His comments, which were perceived as a dig at Man United and Ten Hag, have since resurfaced after Sancho was sent on loan once again.
The England international netted 12 goals in 83 games for the Red Devils after sealing a switch from Borussia Dortmund in 2021.
His Old Trafford struggles saw him lose his place in the England squad, his last game for the Three lions coming in a World Cup qualifier against Andorra in October 2021.
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Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth cited the depth of their attacking options as the reason why the club offered Sancho an escape route.
The additions of Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee alongside Marcus Rashford, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo were considered sufficient options for the Dutchman, meaning Sancho was likely to receive reduced game time.
Ashworth told Sky Sports : “I think with any player, whether it’s Jadon, whether it’s Scott [McTominay] or whether it’s Aaron [Wan-Bissaka], if there’s a preference that they would like to move and go to a new club and it’s right for them and it’s right for us, then you have to explore it.
“We felt we had enough depth in that particular position to be able to cover it, we’ve got four really good wide players, Jadon was a fifth, and it just enabled us to make that decision. If it was good for him and good for us it was something we were willing to consider.”
