Jadon Sancho had a forgettable performance during Chelsea’s 3-0 loss to Brighton on February 16, 2025. The Manchester United winger, who is currently on loan at Chelsea, came on early after Noni Madueke was injured, but failed to make any notable contributions. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher was particularly critical of Sancho’s lack of defensive effort during the match.
Chelsea struggled throughout the game, failing to register a single shot on target. However, what seemed to frustrate Carragher the most was Sancho’s poor tracking back when Brighton scored their third goal. With Chelsea already trailing 2-0, Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh made a run into the box, but Sancho, who was supposed to track him, failed to do so. Minteh breezed past Sancho and slotted the ball into the net, effectively sealing Chelsea’s embarrassing defeat.
Carragher, visibly upset, pointed out the lack of intensity in Sancho’s defensive efforts, as well as his failure to stay with Minteh. He expressed his displeasure on air, saying, “Just see Sancho with Minteh at the top of your picture, the one-two and just watch Sancho. I mean, where’s he going?! The intensity on that side from Cucurella and Sancho was awful. This is a bad, bad night for Enzo Maresca and Chelsea.” Carragher’s comments echoed the frustration felt by many Chelsea and football fans in general.
Following Carragher’s sharp criticism, social media quickly erupted with Chelsea fans and even Manchester United supporters expressing their dissatisfaction with Sancho’s performance. Many United fans felt vindicated by his struggles, remembering similar lackluster performances during his time at Old Trafford. One fan remarked, “Carragher pulls no punches! Is this déjà vu for Sancho?” Another pointed out how Sancho’s failure to track Minteh contributed directly to the third goal, commenting, “He’s just completely gone AWOL, lost his man and that man had made it 3-0.”
Adding fuel to the fire, some fans referenced Sancho’s recent social media post, where he had written the word “Freedom” following the departure of his former teammate Marcus Rashford from Manchester United to Aston Villa. Some interpreted the message as a dig at his time at Old Trafford, suggesting that Sancho felt restricted at the club. However, performances like the one against Brighton only deepened the questions surrounding his career.
If Sancho is serious about turning things around and reviving his football career, many, including Carragher and fans alike, believe he needs to demonstrate a much stronger commitment and work ethic on the pitch. Without that, his future at Chelsea and beyond could be in jeopardy.
