Jadon Sancho has stepped out of Cristiano Ronaldo’s shadow and began to make his mark at Old Trafford

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Jadon Sancho has stepped out of Cristiano Ronaldo's shadow and began to make his mark at Old Trafford

Jadon Sancho has been completely outplayed by Cristiano Ronaldo for most of the season so far.

But on another exhilarating night there were signs that perhaps the place was big enough for the two of them.

In-form wideman Jadon Sancho has been congratulated as he played a key role in Utd's 3-1 win

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In-form wideman Jadon Sancho has been congratulated as he played a key role in Utd’s 3-1 wincredit: EPA
Jadon Sancho impresses on Man Utd starting line-up recall

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Jadon Sancho impresses on Man Utd starting line-up recallcredit: EPA
Jadon Sancho took his chances well when he started against the Clarets

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Jadon Sancho took his chances well when he started against the Claretscredit: AP

There was much excitement when United signed Sancho for £73 million in the days following England’s Euro 2020 defeat.

After all, he has always loved his wingers at Old Trafford and there was one here that seemed a good fit.

Yet in a matter of weeks his most famous comeback for a second stint with the Red Devils put Sancho in the limelight.

This also meant that his opportunities in the starting line-up were restricted in the early weeks of the season.

Considering that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had worked so hard to sign him, he seemed reluctant to use him and as a result it was a low-key start to his United career.

He had low confidence when he played and was in the shadow of a player who broke the German league with Borussia Dortmund in recent years.

It was when Michael Carrick took over on a caretaker basis in November that the 21-year-old got a run in the team he was longing for.

He started all three matches under the former midfielder and scored his first league goal in a credible draw at Chelsea.

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Taking charge for the rest of the season, Ralph Rangnick also picked him in the starting XI for his first two games in charge.

And when he was back on the bench at Newcastle on Monday, he looked to be in more danger after replacing Fred at half-time.

So just quietly, feel that the former City Trainee at Old Trafford is coming of age.

The 4-2-4 formation sent off by Rangnik in a 3-1 home win over Burnley – which also featured Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani and Mason Greenwood – seems ideal for him.

It’s a formation that allowed Sancho to share the stage with the CR7 and there was plenty for both of them to enjoy here.

Just before half an hour Sancho popped up to the left and made his way into the box before rolling a low shot to Wayne Hennessy and the far corner.

Scott McTominay slots the Manchester United opener, although it removes Burnley defender Ben Mee for his own goal

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Scott McTominay slots the Manchester United opener, although it removes Burnley defender Ben Mee for his own goalcredits: PA
Cristiano Ronaldo scored United's third goal in the first-half blitz

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Cristiano Ronaldo scored United’s third goal in the first-half blitzcredit: Reuters
Manchester United's Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire put pressure on Burnley goal at Old Trafford

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Manchester United’s Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire put pressure on Burnley goal at Old Traffordcredit: Reuters

Or it seemed. He deserved the goal – but replays showed his effort was indeed swept wide before going through a deflection from Clarets captain Ben Mee.

His silent celebration suggested that he probably knew as much – but it didn’t take long for him to make another important contribution.

This time he appeared on the other flank and his ball was inside Scott McTominay – whose shot was saved by Hennessy only for Ronaldo to tap into a rebound.

Sancho gave the Clarets a hard time giving Matt Laughton and Charlie Taylor and United fans hope there will be many more such performances.

Red Devils interim boss Ralph Rangnik was rewarded for starting Jadon Sancho against Burnley

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Red Devils interim boss Ralph Rangnik was rewarded for starting Jadon Sancho against Burnleycredit: AFP
United centre-back Harry Maguire catches up with Burnley striker Chris Wood

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United centre-back Harry Maguire catches up with Burnley striker Chris Woodcredit: getty

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