Jadon Sancho has spoken for the first time since ending his misery as a Man United outcast by joining Aston Villa on loan. 

The winger found himself among the ‘bomb squad’ of players training separately at Old Trafford after being deemed surplus to requirements under Ruben Amorim.

Having spent last season on loan at Chelsea, which ended without a permanent transfer as they opted not to pay the £25m fee after an initial £5million, he made his next move on Monday’s deadline day.

In his first interview at the club, Sancho expressed: ‘First of all, when I spoke to the manager, he gave me the belief and the confidence, and his plan for the year truly inspired me.’ 

‘He definitely persuaded me and I can’t wait to work under him.’

Jadon Sancho said it was Unai Emery who persuaded him to join Aston Villa

The winger posed for pictures with Emery and Monchi (right) after signing on deadline day

On the question of whether Villa might see Sancho hitting his peak at 25, he stated: ‘I feel ready to enter the prime years of my career, given the experience and playing for such big clubs.’ 

‘Hopefully I can bring some of that experience here at Villa and I can’t wait.’

Sancho scored 12 goals in 83 games since joining United from Borussia Dortmund for £73m in July 2021. 

He will hope to enjoy the same upturn in fortunes as Marcus Rashford did when sent on loan to Villa Park from United last season.

Rashford was another member of the bomb squad dispatched by United, securing a loan to Barcelona, while Antony joined Real Betis and Alejandro Garnacho transferred to Chelsea. 

Sancho hinted at having personal goals for the season but withheld details, saying: ‘As a player and especially as a team, we need to achieve significant things.’

‘We have to be looking towards that, and hopefully I can help the team to achieve some of those goals.

Sancho added: ‘I’ve got individual goals, but my main goal is for the team. Achieving something as a team is much more special than individually.

Sancho recently posted a picture with fellow bomb squad members Tyrell Malacia and Antony 

‘I feel like all players have individual goals, but the team always comes first. I’ll be looking to achieve goals with the team first.’

The Englishman joined Harvey Elliott and Victor Lindelof as deadline day additions at Villa Park. 

Sancho’s move comes after reports he had been delaying a decision on his future due to his his relationship with American rapper Saweetie.

Saweetie had been claimed to be influencing Sancho’s career choices, with the winger having travelled to States side three times in a month.

The former Borussia Dortmund star was reportedly considering ending his career in Europe to move to the United States.

Sancho fuelled romance rumours in May when it was reported that Saweetie, real name Diamonté Quiava Valentin Harper, had pride of place as his phone’s lock screen photograph.

Famed California-based tattoo studio The Apollo revealed that they had inked Saweetie’s middle name on Sancho’s neck earlier this month

Sancho, who reportedly earns around £250,000 per week, was celebrating Chelsea’s Europa Conference League in May and held his phone aloft as he made merry with Trevoh Chalobah.

Eagle-eyed fans spotted the picture of Saweetie, 32, on his phone and the speculation about his love life has been rife ever since.

Earlier this month, Sancho inked her name on his skin – all but confirming their relationship. But evidently rather than a move to the MLS, Sancho still has ambitions at the top level and will hope to force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.