Jadon Sancho delivers clear message against PSG as Manchester United sent brutal transfer truth

Jadon Sancho left pundits purring with his first-half display against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-final first-leg tie on Wednesday.

Playing at this stage of the tournament for the first time in his career, Sancho was one of the standout performers as Borussia Dortmund took a 1-0 lead into the break at Signal Iduna Park.

Operating from his preferred right side, Sancho was involved in an impressive and slick showing from Edin Terzic's side. Although it was German striker Niclas Fullkrug who scored the only goal of the opening half, Sancho caught the eye for his impact.

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Up against Nuno Mendes, Fabian Ruiz, and Bradley Barcola on the PSG left, as well as centre-back Lucas Hernandez before he was taken off injured, Sancho consistently asked questions of his opponents. Twisting and turning, going inside and out, he left the commentators drooling over his quality.

“I just think I am looking at his body language, and he’s looking a different player entirely," Ally McCoist said before even 20 minutes had been played. "He’s wanting the ball and demanding the ball, and I think [Julian] Ryerson will give it him all day.”

When asked if it was the sort of attitude that he had shown before Manchester United paid over £70 million to sign him, McCoist could only say yes.

The 24-year-old is into what is currently his final month back at Dortmund following a mid-season loan back to his former club. Playing with a smile again and starting games regularly for Terzic, he is capturing the imagination again.

"I am not really one for stats, but I have got a good one here," added Rio Ferdinand at half-time. "In 45 minutes, Jadon Sancho has completed more dribbles (seven) than he did in any of his 58 appearances for Man United. That is a man with confidence."

When quizzed on where it comes from, he explained, "[The] manager, environment, being in the semi-finals, and that man right there [Terzic] is a part of that."

McCoist continued to wax lyrical over Sancho after the break. "He just looks full of confidence." The Scot added: "You can tell a lot by body language, and his body language this evening is that he wants to be on the ball, he wants to take people on, and he wants to play. He certainly looks rejuvenated, that's for sure."

At the weekend, he scored a stunning goal in a defeat to RB Leipzig and followed that up with his performance against PSG. United will certainly be paying attention, especially with questions over Erik ten Hag's future at the club.

Sancho fell out with the Dutchman just weeks into the campaign following public criticism of his output in training. Just how the situation resolves itself is far from clear heading into a crucial summer in Sancho's career.