Paul Scholes names “concerning” reason why United star is a “weird signing” for loan club

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has expressed his concerns about Jadon Sancho’s transfer to Aston Villa, labelling it “weird.”

Sancho seals loan move to Villa

On deadline day, United confirmed that Sancho had completed a loan switch to Villa, where he will spend the 2025/26 season.

Sancho spent last term out on loan at Chelsea, but the Blues opted against exercising the obligation to permanently sign him. Chelsea paid United a £5m penalty fee for failing to sign Sancho on a permanent basis.

United made him available for transfer and there was some interest, but he turned down offers from the likes of AS Roma and Besiktas.

It looked as though United might be stuck with Sancho, but Villa swooped in on deadline day. Unai Emery’s side will cover 80% of his wages, with clauses in place that could see them take on his full salary.

Sancho admitted that Emery played the key role in convincing him to join Villa.

However, Scholes has insisted that there is a real chance that Sancho may not work out at Villa, possibly extending the England international’s difficult stint in England.

Scholes on Sancho’s Villa switch

Speaking on The Overlap, Scholes remarked, “Emery might be good for him, but he is a weird signing. We talked about the size of the pitch might be an issue for him, Villa Park is massive.”

“A lack of pace, a lack of legs, it concerns you.”

“He has got ability, but what is his strength? Does he cut inside and smash it in the top corner? Can he beat a man?”

“He possibly links with a centre forward. He probably has the skill to go past someone, but they catch him. He can’t go on again.”

Sancho has one year remaining on his Old Trafford contract, although United have an option of extending his terms by an additional 12 months.

Feature image Richard Heathcote via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social