Sunderland not missing out after ‘shelved’ plans for Cameron Borthwick-Jackson

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Sunderland have a plethora of options at left-back this season. The club signed Reece James in the summer, with the idea that big-earner Bryan Oviedo was on his way. However, the Costa Rica international ended up sticking around. The emergence of Denver Hume means Sunderland now have three excellent options at left-back.

Of course, before they snapped up James on a free transfer from Wigan Athletic, they were after Manchester United youngster Cameron Borthwick-Jackson.

Not long ago he seemed like a future star at Old Trafford. Indeed, Louis van Gaal was a huge fan. The Dutchman used him 14 times in his final season with the Red Devils.

But he went on to struggle in loan spells at Wolves and Leeds United, with his career now at a crossroads. It appeared his next stop was the Stadium of Light this summer. In fact, according to a report in the Northern Echo, it was only after James became available to Sunderland that they ‘shelved’ their plans for ‘CBJ’.

Instead, he ended up at Scunthorpe United.

His time with the Iron will not have Sunderland feeling they’re missing out. The 21-year-old has been in topsy-turvy form for his new team.

“It was such a pity because Borthwick-Jackson was playing fantastically and I was very proud of him. It was a superb performance until the last quarter.”

– Louis van Gaal after Borthwick-Jackson’s performance v Chelsea in February 2016

The Grimsby Telegraph has awarded him a 5.5 for the season so far, suggesting he has been far too inconsistent for the League One club this season.

His best game for the club came as a left-winger in a 3-4-3 formation v Charlton Athletic. He scored two great goals, his first in senior football, in a 5-3 win. Other than that, there are few highlights from his time at Glanford Park so far.

Sunderland will be happy with the left-backs they have at their disposal instead.