Enzo Maresca aims subtle dig at Manchester United after Jadon Sancho makes Chelsea debut

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca believes providing Jadon Sancho with a sense of "love" will be the key to unlocking the Manchester United loanee's potential at Stamford Bridge.

Sancho made his debut for the Londoners on Saturday night, stepping off the bench at half-time to provide the assist for Christopher Nkunku's 86th-minute winner in their 1-0 win over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

He was deployed on the left flank, replacing Pedro Neto, and he made a nuisance of himself, earning the Player of the Match award.

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It was Sancho's first Premier League appearance since appearing for United in a 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest in August 2023. It is hoped his move to Stamford Bridge will help him rekindle his career after a turbulent 12 months.

And for Chelsea boss Maresca, who added Sancho to his squad on transfer deadline day last month, he is of the opinion that the former Borussia Dortmund man needs an arm around his shoulder to ensure he produces what he is truly capable of.

Maresca said: "It's very important. I have a feeling that Jadon is a guy that needs love.

"This is what I think when I spoke with him before he join us. Also, I know he has the desire to show the player he is, but for me, it is just to enjoy football.

"This is the reason why they play. They are happy and want to play football, they want to enjoy football and then because they are good, they are going to do good things."

Outlining why Chelsea wanted to sign Sancho, Maresca added: "I said already when we brought in Jadon that the reason why is because we were looking for another