Borussia Dortmund boss Lucien Favre has brushed off concerns about Jadon Sancho’s start to the season but admits the constant rumours linking the forward with Manchester United may have had an ‘influence’ on his form.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer identified Sancho as his number one attacking target at the start of the summer transfer window but United missed Dortmund’s deadline of August 5 to cough up £108million and the 20-year-old will remain in Germany for the time being.
Sancho’s focus has already come into question this season, with German outlet Bild recently suggesting that his mind could be elsewhere after weeks of speculation surrounding his future.
But Favre remains unconcerned despite the England international so far failing to hit the heights of his first two years with Dortmund.
Asked about Sancho’s recent performances, Dortmund manager Favre responded: ‘Every player has weaker phases.
‘There was a lot of talk about Jadon in the summer, something like that can also have an influence.
‘But no player is in top form for a whole year, that’s impossible. You have to accept that.’
The Red Devils stepped up their interest in Edinson Cavani after missing out on Sancho and the veteran striker completed a free transfer to the Theatre of Dreams on deadline day, along with Porto left-back Alex Telles.
Cavani could play no part in United’s wins away at Newcastle and Paris Saint-Germain but made his debut as a substitute against Chelsea and almost scored with his first touch in the goalless draw.
The Uruguay international will no do be desperate for a place in Solskjaer’s starting XI on Wednesday night, when the Premier League giants welcome Leipzig in the Champions League.
