Jadon Sancho, the Manchester United winger, has reportedly asked to leave the club following his omission from the matchday squad for their opening game against Fulham. This comes after a public falling out with manager Erik ten Hag almost a year ago, which resulted in Sancho being banished from the first team and subsequently loaned out to Borussia Dortmund. However, the player and manager seemed to have resolved their issues during the summer, with Sancho being reintegrated into the squad during pre-season. Despite this, ten Hag’s decision to leave him out of the opening game has reignited speculation about Sancho’s future.
Ten Hag explained that Sancho had been dealing with an ear infection leading up to the game, but was fit enough to play. However, the manager chose to prefer other players on the day. Sancho’s reaction to this decision reportedly included reaffirming his desire to leave the club. Additionally, he was noticeably absent from the director’s box during the game, where injured players Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro were present.
While there has been previous interest from Chelsea, it is Juventus who are now the frontrunners to sign Sancho if he does leave United. The Premier League side have been open to offers for the player all summer, but have yet to receive any bids that meet their £40 million valuation. Juventus have intensified talks this week, with United looking for a permanent sale. They would only consider another loan if Sancho’s salary is fully covered and the deal includes a loan fee and an obligation to buy.
In the meantime, United have been exploring other options for their wide positions. Against Fulham, Amad Diallo and Marcus Rashford started, with Alejandro Garnacho coming off the bench. Garnacho had only recently returned to training after his Copa America campaign with Argentina. Another player competing for a spot in the team is Antony, with ten Hag warning Sancho and the rest of the squad that they must deal with the manager’s decisions when they are left out of the squad.
Ten Hag emphasized the importance of having a squad with players who can play in multiple positions and manage disappointment when they are not selected. He stressed the need for a highly motivated squad throughout the season, as the prizes are decided in May. This suggests that Sancho’s exclusion from the matchday squad may not be an isolated incident, but rather a reflection of ten Hag’s management style and desire to have a versatile and motivated group of players.
Overall, the situation surrounding Jadon Sancho at Manchester United remains uncertain. While he appeared to have resolved his issues with manager Erik ten Hag, his omission from the opening game has raised questions about his future at the club. With Juventus now the frontrunners to sign him, it remains to be seen whether a suitable offer will be made that meets United’s valuation. In the meantime, United will continue to explore their options and rely on other players to fill the wide positions in their squad.