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Jadon Sancho has faced a withering critique from Jamie Carragher, with the former Liverpool defender questioning the England winger's fundamental footballing capabilities.
The Manchester United star has joined Aston Villa on loan, alongside Reds star Harvey Elliott, following his previous temporary stint at Chelsea last season, where a permanent deal was not pursued. The 25-year-old hasn't featured for United since a brief seven-minute appearance in last season's Community Shield penalty shootout loss to Manchester City.
During an appearance on The Overlap, YouTuber Adam McKola branded Sancho as the club's 'worst ever' acquisition, referencing the huge $99 million (£73 million) fee paid by United to Borussia Dortmund in 2021.
Carragher responded by suggesting Sancho lacks genuine talent as a footballer and argued he possesses no distinctive attributes that pose a genuine threat on the field.
"It's funny with Sancho because he got the reputation with Borussia Dortmund," Carragher said.
"Me and Gary [Neville] were on Sky Sports a few years ago and we hadn't seen much of him but he was doing really well at Dortmund in the Champions League.
"We got asked to come up with an England squad and we didn't put him in and got some stick on social media.
"When you say he's the worst Man Utd signing because of his ability... I'm not sure there's much ability there. I think he's okay but I don't understand what his thing is.
"I've been critical of Marcus Rashford but if I picture him playing well I can picture his pace and his shooting.
"I don't know what Sancho's thing is. Every player has something but I can't think in my head what he does. I've never seen it in my life. I haven't."
Sancho was linked with moves to Besiktas, Roma and Juventus, among others, before joining Villa on transfer deadline day. Villa will cover 80 per cent of Sancho's wages and the winger revealed he was "inspired" when he discussed the switch with Unai Emery.
United legend Paul Scholes believes that Emery can help Sancho rediscover his best form after Rashford's encouraging spell in Birmingham last season, but remains unconvinced.
"Unai Emery might be good for Sancho but I do think it's a weird signing," Scholes said.
"Villa Park is a massive pitch and he's got a lack of pace and a lack of legs. He's got some brilliance but what's his real strength? I don't really know."
Sancho could make his Villa debut when they travel to Everton on Saturday in the Premier League. Villa are in need of some performances from their new signings, having begun the campaign with two defeats and a draw.
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