Soccer
'It's nice to have a manager that backs you' - Aston Villa hero Jadon Sancho revels in latest Europa League win
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Aston Villa booked their place in the knockouts of the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League with a 1-0 victory over Fenerbahce on Thursday, and Jadon Sancho was thrilled to be the man to score the decisive goal.
Sancho struck a well-placed header in the 25th minute for the game's only goal as Villa escaped a raucous Chobani Stadium with the three points, giving them six wins and a loss after seven matches in the league phase of the competition.
It was Sancho's first goal for the Villans after joining the club on loan at the beginning of the season, and it was a rare header from the 25-year-old to boot.
"I know I scored a few [headers] in my youth days," Sancho told TNT Sports after the match. "But I'm just happy to get my first goal for Aston Villa and to top it off with that, it's a win."
The 23-times capped England international has bounced around since joining Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, with loan stints at Dortmund, Chelsea and now Aston Villa on his CV after failing to get settled at Old Trafford under a revolving door of managers. Sancho believes Unai Emery has been a positive influence on his development, and he credited the Villa boss for patiently guiding him along at another new club.
"He just keeps on telling me to be positive every time I play," Sancho said. "It's nice to have a manager that backs you and obviously believes in you.
"Again, every opportunity I get I'm going to try and do 100% and hopefully I can deliver goals more."
As for when Emery and Villa fans can expect the best version of Jadon Sancho, the London native thinks he's on the right path.
"I just take it day by day in training," he said. "Obviously the manager and the team are helping me to get to my best. Honestly, I know I can do a lot more. I'm very hard on myself in that aspect.
"But again I'm very grateful that I got my first goal for Aston Villa and I hope it continues."
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