Rio Ferdinand has insisted Jadon Sancho 'would not have seen' his spot in a Champions League semi-finals coming.

Sancho started both legs of Borussia Dortmund's quarter-final tie against Atletico Madrid over the last fortnight, playing a key role as his side got the better of their Spanish opponents over the two games.

Going into Tuesday's home leg trailing, Edin Terzic's side overturned the 2-1 deficit to go through 5-4 on aggregate having won 5-4 on the night in Germany.

Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen and former Manchester United midfielder Marcel Sabitzer were among those on the score sheet for the hosts, and Sancho could be seen engaging in the chaotic celebrations upon some of the goals and at full time.

Former United defender Ferdinand, speaking on TNT Sports, highlighted the wingers' upturn in fortunes this season after he joined the club on loan from the Red Devils in January.

Rio Ferdinand has insisted that Jadon Sancho 'would not have seen' his Champions League semi-final spot coming

'We asked for Sancho to put in a performance, Ferdinand began. 'A lot to prove and he's showing it. 

'He's left Manchester United under a cloud, he's now in a Champions League semi-final against PSG. Who could have written that script? He wouldn't have seen that coming.'

Sancho left United on arguably the worst of terms after a public falling out with manager Erik ten Hag, though has rediscovered his form with Dortmund.

The Dutchman had exiled Sancho from training with his team-mates after the 23-year-old hit back at the manager's claims that he had been dropped for his 'training performance' back in September on social media.

The 24-year-old, who joined United for £73million in 2021 from Dortmund, had subsequently not played for United since their 3-2 win against Nottingham Forest back in August, with United confirming on September 14 that the winger would not be training with the main group.

He spent time training on his own and with members of the Man United academy before rejoining his old club on a temporary basis until the end of the season.

He has played a key role for Dortmund since his return just weeks ago, playing 14 times so far as he hopes to win his first Champions League title.

Two goals and two assists have been the return from his efforts thus far.

Sancho is likely to leave United in the summer, with more than 10 first team players set to depart the club under the new ownership of Ineos.

Anthony Martial is set to leave with his contract up, while the likes of Raphael Varane, Casemiro and Mason Greenwood could also depart.

Dortmund would likely be interested in re-signing Sancho at a cut price of the hefty fee they sold him for three years ago.