Mikael Silvestre: Sancho must prove to ETH he can make a difference

With the Premier League returning this weekend, we had the pleasure of catching up with former Manchester United and France defender Mikael Silvestre. He discussed the recent incident with Jadon Sancho and how it potentially impacted the Manchester United squad, Facundo Pellistri’s potential opening and how Andre Onana has settled into life at United.

In this article:

• Sancho needs to show in training that he can make a difference
• Pellistri needs to be given time to develop before he starts
• Onana has not been protected well enough by the United defence
• Varane and Martinez could be the difference if United are to be successful
• Gamble Responsibly

Sancho needs to show in training that he can make a difference

Jadon Sancho’s future remains in the air following his outburst on social media last week. Sancho went on the attack, dismissing claims from his manager that he was dropped due to poor performances in training.

Sancho’s teammates are reportedly fed up with his demeanour and his lack of effort in training. Meanwhile, Sancho’s camp have suggested that the club weren’t permitted to publicise his reported mental health issues last season. It’s not an ideal situation currently, but Silvestre still harbours hope that Sancho can positively impact this United team.

“The thing is, with all this noise, that you would rather focus on football and perform whether it’s in training or in matches; you want to be on top.”

“It’s not a good situation for him and the team. He was brought in to be a good asset for the club, and ideally, he should have grown after a great time at Dortmund, but unfortunately, he hasn’t reached that level yet.”

“There is a question mark around him for sure and his response has to be on the football pitch, and he needs to show in training that he can make a difference.”

“Man United needs to be on top every single game to challenge Man City and Arsenal, so hopefully he will start performing better soon.”

Pellistri needs to be given time to develop before he starts

With United currently struggling for personnel on the right-hand side, a window of opportunity appears as though it’s opened for Uruguayan winger Facundo Pellistri.

Pellsitri joined United in October 2020. He has spent time on loan at Alaves in Spain but has struggled to really claim a place in the United starting 11. Silvestre claims that despite the lack of options for ten Hag to choose from, Pellistri has to be eased into the pressure of being a weekly starter at the club.

“With players like Pellistri, they have to gain the time bit by bit, and he has to show his teammates and the coach that they can rely on him.”

“He has done well so far, and he needs to repeat that when coming on, whether it´s 20 or 30 minutes or even from the start.”

Onana has not been protected well enough by the United defence

Andre Onana was a summer signing that ten Hag was eager to make as he looked to continue his revolution of the playing United side. Onana has proven to be a goalkeeper full of confidence when the ball is at his feet, which Silvestre has been impressed with so far.

He also argues that the United team has done a poor job of protecting Onana. However, he believes once playing personnel has stabilised, Onana will be afforded a greater level of protection.

“I think he has done pretty well so far. He has not been protected enough, and we can’t blame him for the records so far.”

“Attacking-wise, I think he brings a lot to the team, and he has done well. That was one of the reasons why they brought him in, and the offensive movement can start with his passes.”

“Obviously, he is a shot-stopper, and he needs to perform, but I think once the backline is stabilised, I think we will see that it was a good decision to bring him in.”

Varane and Martinez could be the difference if United are to be successful

United currently have a range of injuries across the team, which will be a concern heading into their fixture against Brighton this weekend. Lisandor Martinez, Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw were vital figures in ten Hag’s restructuring of his side but are either doubts or have been ruled out for the foreseeable future.

Silvestre sees the signing of Sergio Regullon as a sign Shaw’s injury could be a long-term problem. Meanwhile, he hopes that Varane and Martinez are able to return soon.

“They are starters, so of course it’s a worry. For Luke Shaw, it looks like it can be a long injury because they brought in Reguilon. So, it doesn’t look good for Shaw.”

“For Varane and Martinez, I don’t hope the injuries will be too long. It would be good if they can come in and perform soon like they did last season.”

“Varane and Martinez could make a difference and make the team stronger than it is right now.”

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