Maresca praises Sancho after standout Chelsea debut, but fires at Ten Hag

Enzo Maresca offered a subtle jab at Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag following Jadon Sancho’s stellar debut for Chelsea.

The Blues salvaged a 1-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday night, courtesy of Sancho’s assist to Christopher Nkunku.

The winger, who joined Chelsea on loan after being frozen out by Ten Hag, impressed by assisting Christopher Nkunku’s late winner and earned the Player of the Match award despite coming on at halftime.

Maresca lauded Sancho’s performance, emphasizing the importance of feeling “loved” to thrive on the pitch.

He noted that the England international, sidelined at United since September 2023, had the chance to showcase his potential at Chelsea, a far cry from his troubled spell at Old Trafford.

Sancho’s move to Chelsea marked a fresh start after months of isolation at United, where tensions with Ten Hag, including a social media dispute, led to his exile.