Jadon Sancho probably hasn't had the start to life at Manchester United he would have hoped, but the criticism being thrown his way seems a little daft.
When a new signing arrives at a club, they're usually either looked at as a player signed to make an instant impact like Bruno Fernandes and Raphael Varane, or they're seen as a star of the future who's been brought in with the hope they can develop and become a top-class performer - Sancho arguably fits into both of categories and that's why United fans are divided on the youngster's first few months at the club.
A quick check of his stats during his time at Borussia Dortmund and his eye-watering transfer fee would have you believe he was in the same category as Fernandes and Varane, but at 21 years of age, he's got years of development ahead of him. So are we being a little too harsh to expect so much?
A lot of fans who've chosen to criticise Sancho’s start at United have pointed to the fact he's failed to score a goal in his first seven matches, a stat which social media will have you believe means he's already an expensive flop.
If we're now judging players on their first month at a new club, humble pie would be a staple of most football fans' diets.
Cast your mind back to 2003. United had just signed a youngster who found himself in a very similar position as Sancho is in now. Granted, Sancho probably had a little more experience, but both were raw, unquestionably talented youngsters in need of guidance as they looked to settle in at a new club.
Of course, we're referring to Cristiano Ronaldo.
It took Ronaldo three months to finally open his United account and despite his steady start to life at Old Trafford, he's gone on to win a couple of trophies and awards since - five Ballon d'Ors, five Champions Leagues, seven top-flight league titles and a European Championship to be precise.
The Portuguese forward’s slow start at United didn't define his career, he went on to achieve incredible success and is regarded as one of the all-time greats.
Many talented players have seen their careers nosedive having struggled to adapt to life at a new club, but Ronaldo's first few months at United back in 2003 are proof that you can take time to settle and still be a success, and that's something Sancho should bear in mind if the pressure begins to mount.
It would be foolish to suggest Sancho will go on to have a career like Ronaldo, but even if the Englishman was to enjoy half as much success as Ronaldo has in his career, he could hang his boots up when he comes to retire and be hugely proud of his efforts.
It may also be worth taking into consideration Sancho’s final season at Dortmund. It took the winger four months to score his first league goal of that season, but the 21-year-old finished the campaign with 16 goals in the Bundesliga alone. It was clear that United's pursuit of him back in 2020 had unsettled him and impacted his form at the start of the 2020/21 campaign, and it's likely his eventual move to the club this summer has had a similar effect.
The best players can be counted on when their side needs them most, and Jadon Sancho will be there when United need him, he simply needs time.
At 21 years old, Sancho has the world at his feet, and once he adapts to life at a new club, the goals and assists will come flooding in.
What do you think of Sancho's start to life at United? Follow our new United On My Mind trends writer Anil Kandola and let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
