Jadon Sancho is one step closer to becoming the first player contracted to Manchester United to reach the Champions League final since 2011.
The 24-year-old was frozen out of the Red Devils side by Erik ten Hag, but has rediscovered his form since being loaned to Borussia Dortmund in January.
Sancho was involved in a public falling out with the Dutchman, taking exception to comments made about his performances in training.
But it is the England international who has had the last laugh, with the winger becoming a key player for BVB and proving instrumental in their European Cup run.
He started for the fourth Champions League game in a row on Tuesday night since returning to Germany, helping Dortmund overturn a 2-1 first leg defeat against Atletico Madrid.
In doing so, he is now just one stage away from achieving a feat no current United player has achieved in 13 years by reaching the last-four.
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The last time United were in the final of Europe’s premier competition was in 2011, where they lost to Barcelona at Wembley.
And Sancho is now one step closer to winning the coveted trophy – something that has eluded United since 2008.
He was quick to laud his teammates after Dortmund beat Atletico 4-2 to set up a clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
Sancho shared a picture on Instagram of him alongside goalscorers Ian Maatsen and Marcel Sabitzer – who played with him at Old Trafford last term.
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The forward said: “SEMI-FINALS! Great fight from the team today!”
Sancho is now just the second United player to even reach the semi-finals after cult hero Javier Hernandez.
The Mexican striker spent the 2014/15 campaign on loan at Real Madrid, where it was his strike that sent Los Blancos into the last-four at the expense of Atletico.
But the then-reigning Champions League holders crashed out in the semis to Juventus, who like United in 2011, came unstuck against Barcelona.
Incredibly, United haven’t reached the semi-finals since they finished as runners-up 13 years ago.
In that time, they have mustered just two quarter-final appearances, with United often finding themselves competing in the Europa League.
News Summary:
- Jadon Sancho sends message to fans as he threatens to end 13-year Manchester United drought
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