Manchester United academy chief out to convince Sancho to join

James Shearman

• Updated: 17 May 2021 17:38 BST
• 2 min read

Manchester United’s head of academy Nick Cox has joked that he could use his personal relationship with Jadon Sancho to the club’s advantage during any potential transfer negotiations.

The pair first crossed paths during Cox’s time at Watford, where Sancho came through the youth setup prior to departing for Manchester City at the age of just 15.

He, of course, eventually also left the Blues after growing frustrated over a lack of first-team involvement, and has since carved out a reputation as one of Europe’s most talented youngsters at Borussia Dortmund.

That has opened up the possibility of a move to other side of Manchester, with United having quite publicly attempted to secure his signing over the course of last summer.

And Cox has now suggested that he could leverage his history with the player should the Red Devils go back in for him this summer – with tongue in cheek, of course.

“Maybe I should be using that relationship to our advantage. But I’m not because it’s against the rules, of course,” he told The Athletic.

On Sancho’s rapid development, Cox added: “Did I know he would play for England and a top team in Europe? Of course I didn’t.

“Did I know he was a good player? Yes. We tried to help him be the best he could be. He was a young kid who absolutely loved football; addicted to it.”