Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is 'desperate' for Jadon Sancho to rediscover his best form at Old Trafford amid interest from Chelsea, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The winger joined the Red Devils in a £73million deal from Borussia Dortmund last year, but he has struggled to reproduce the kind of performances he turned in while at Signal Iduna Park.

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

Man United transfer news - Jadon Sancho

According to Italian media outlet Calciomercatoweb, Chelsea could target Sancho if Manchester United succeed in their pursuit of PSV Eindhoven wide-man Cody Gakpo during the January transfer window.

It comes after it emerged that the Red Devils are looking to swoop for the Dutchman, who is available for £50million, in the early stages of 2023.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has previously told GIVEMESPORT that Sancho's Manchester United career could be 'on the line' if he fails to show signs of improvement before the end of the season.

The 22-year-old's £350,000-per-week contract is not due to expire until the summer of 2026, while there is an option to extend the agreement by another 12 months, but he has suffered another blow during the break from domestic action.

That is because, rather than working with the other members of the squad who were not called up for the World Cup, Sancho has been training at Dutch amateur club OJC Rosmalen with coaches recommended by ten Hag.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

What has Pete O'Rourke said about Sancho?

O'Rourke believes Sancho has to show why he deserves to become one of the first names on the team-sheet at Manchester United after putting in some underwhelming performances.

But the journalist feels the Red Devils have no intention of cashing in on the England international as ten Hag is keen to get the best out of him.

O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "I think all the onus is on Jadon Sancho to get back to his best form and prove to Erik ten Hag that he deserves a place in that Manchester United team.

"It's too early to write him off just yet because he is still a player with huge potential. I'm sure ten Hag would be desperate to see the best of Jadon Sancho as soon as possible."

Should Man United sell Sancho in January?

There is no doubt that Sancho has not been at his best this season, with Sofascore handing him an average match rating of 6.79 after registering a goal conversion ratio of just 29 per cent in the Premier League.

Although he has only found the back of the net three times and contributed a further assist in 14 outings, Manchester United would be wise to retain his services.

Sancho has previously shown that he can be a game-changer in the final third of the pitch, having chalked up 114 goal contributions while on Dortmund's books.

German legend Lothar Matthaus has showered the Manchester United man with praise in the past, calling him 'perfect', and it is up to ten Hag to give Sancho opportunities to thrive in the second half of the campaign.

You can find all of the latest football news and rumours right here