Such has been the turbulence in Manchester United’s transfer department over the last decade, the current Marcus Rashford dilemma has drawn comparisons with plenty of other mistakes.

However, there is one in particular that Ruben Amorim has been encouraged to learn from.

Jadon Sancho, signed in 2021 from Borussia Dortmund for £73million, became the centre of a long and arduous selection controversy under Erik ten Hag before being loaned back to Dortmund.

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He has since gone on to find success on loan at Chelsea, who have a modest obligation-to-buy fee that will represent a huge loss to United.

Whilst Sancho came before Amorim’s time, and the new manager inherited many of the problems with Rashford, he must learn from Sancho’s success at Chelsea. There has been interest in Rashford from Dortmund amongst others, and Amorim should, as with Sancho, seek a loan deal for the English striker.

Sancho’s success in his second spell at Dortmund was nothing outstanding – five goal contributions in 21 games – but the happiness that came back to his game was the biggest takeaway. Should Rashford return to United having rediscovered his love for the game he could be given one last chance.

Chelsea are reaping the rewards of Sancho’s loan at Dortmund. In 16 league games for Chelsea, in which he only averages 60 minutes per match, he has made four assists and scored two goals.

Those contributions have come in flurries - two goals in as many games vs Southampton and Tottenham in December, and three assists in his first three games at the start of the season - but his displays have been consistent.

Sancho provides a direct outlet for Chelsea, driving at defences and taking players on with good success. He provides a good attacking alternative to Cole Palmer and gives Nicolas Jackson the chance to make attacking runs.

The key aspect is that Sancho is a point of difference, something United are lacking this season, especially with the absence of Rashford. Sancho’s dribble success rate per 90 ranks amongst the best in the league, whilst United rely on Amad for any such direct attacking approach.

Amad has been a revelation for United this season, and Amorim risks becoming over-reliant on the 22-year-old. He needs help from his teammates as he can't be the only one looking to dribble at the opposition.

A player like Sancho has shown he can provide such contributions. If he were to have found form at United, he would have alleviated some of the pressure on Amad.

Rashford needs a spark, and should he find it, United must ensure that they reap the rewards.