Rooney Praises Sancho Cameo Against Chelsea

• Wayne Rooney highlighted Sancho’s impact from the bench against Chelsea
• Sancho has played limited minutes at Villa after his loan move from United
• United still face a contract decision on Sancho

Wayne Rooney has explained why Jadon Sancho caught his eye during Aston Villa’s Premier League win over Chelsea.

Sancho is spending the season on loan at Villa from Manchester United after leaving Old Trafford in the summer. The winger also has recent history with Chelsea, having spent last season on loan at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea had the chance to make that move permanent. Their loan agreement included a £25 million obligation to buy clause. The club chose not to activate it, paid a penalty fee to United, and Sancho returned to Manchester.

Sancho had played just 13 times for Villa before Saturday night. He came on as a substitute against Chelsea and made an immediate impression, carrying the ball forward and forcing defenders to make decisions.

Rooney focused on that directness and the way Villa’s movement changed once Sancho was involved.

“Jadon Sancho came into this as well, and we haven’t seen much of him this season, but I thought he was excellent when he came on,” Rooney said on BBC’s Match of the Day.

“Getting the ball, driving with the ball and committing the Chelsea defenders and then they had runners, they had Morgan Rogers making runs in behind.”

Sancho’s wider story remains unresolved. His contract at Old Trafford is due to expire next summer. United have a 12 month extension clause, which would protect their position if they decide to seek a fee rather than lose him for nothing.

Villa’s next match is away to Arsenal on Tuesday night at the Emirates Stadium, their final game before the New Year.