Enzo Maresca aims subtle dig at Erik ten Hag as Jadon Sancho shines on his Chelsea debut after nightmare Man United spell

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has taken a subtle dig at Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag after Jadon Sancho impressed on his debut.

On transfer deadline day, Sancho joined Chelsea from United on loan with an obligation to buy for £23m.

The winger had endured a difficult time at United after a clash with Ten Hag and spent the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund.

However, Sancho looked rejuvenated when he made his Chelsea debut as a substitute in the 1-0 win over Bournemouth.

Sancho provided the assist as Christopher Nkunku scored the only goal of the match late on.

Maresca suggested after the match that Sancho “needs affection” to be at his best.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, he was reported to have BBC SportsMaresca said: ‘Jadon was good, Joao (Felix) was good, Tosin was good and Christo (Nkunku) was very good. We decided to use Christo as a number 9 because he is good in the box.’

“I have a feeling Jadon needs some love.”

Sancho is hoping to make a fresh start at Chelsea and it will be interesting to see what impact he can have this campaign.

Maresca suggested that Sancho needs to be loved in order to be at his best.

Sancho fell out of favour at United following a disagreement with Ten Hag last year.

The 24-year-old was banned from United’s first team last year when he attacked Ten Hag after being criticised for his performances in training following a defeat to Arsenal.

Sancho said he was being made a “scapegoat” and refused to apologise to Ten Hag, who said their relationship could not be repaired unless an apology was issued.

Sancho appeared to have returned to favour as he featured for United in pre-season after returning from a loan spell, but subsequently ended up leaving.