Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has called Jadon Sancho an ‘exceptional talent’ ahead of his potential Premier League debut this weekend.
The England winger joined from Borussia Dortmund for a £73million fee on July 23.
His announcement ended a year-long transfer saga, with Man Utd initially targeting the 21-year-old last summer.
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Sancho looks set to make his debut against Leeds United at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.
Speaking to Sky Sports about the winger, Maguire said: “I think he’s been linked with us for a couple of seasons now and it felt a bit like my transfer when I was joining Manchester United, where it didn’t happen one season but the following season we managed to get it over the line.
“I’m really excited for him, he’s an exceptional talent. He’s the type of player – with the confidence he has – who can be a real star for this club and I feel like in the future and the success we have, he can have a big part to play.”
When asked about their title chances, Maguire continued: “I think this season is going to be more competitive than ever. We’ve strengthened and the other clubs around us have strengthened as well. There’s a lot of great teams in this league.
“You’ve seen in the past that those fine margins can create a 10-point gap from where you were last season.
“Of course, Manchester City won the league last season and they’re a top team. They’ve obviously signed Jack [Grealish], who I know really well, he’s a top player so they’re going to be strong.
“Chelsea, Liverpool too – whoever puts good runs together and remains focused, but the most important thing for us is concentrating on ourselves. We’ve got to improve on last season and we’ll aim to do that.”
Sancho is expected to start on the right against Leeds, with Mason Greenwood on the opposite flank.
Frenchman Anthony Martial will spearhead the attack and be supported by Bruno Fernandes just behind him.
The last time United hosted Leeds in the Premier League, Scott McTominay and Fernandes bagged two goals each as the Red Devils triumphed 6-2.