Why Jadon Sancho was left out Manchester United squad again
Jadon Sancho travelled but has again not even been named on the bench for Man Utd
The future of Jadon Sancho at Manchester United remains uncertain despite his reconciliation with Erik ten Hag earlier this summer.
Sancho was excluded from United’s first-team squad last season following a disagreement with Ten Hag and subsequently returned to Borussia Dortmund on loan for the latter half of the season.
During his time in Germany, Sancho demonstrated his considerable talent, notably shining against PSG in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
The 24-year-old and Ten Hag mended their differences before pre-season, and Sancho featured regularly in the team’s pre-season matches.
However, he was absent from United’s squad for their Premier League opener against Fulham, with Ten Hag citing an ear infection.
Despite this, Sancho was seen training earlier this week but was again left out of the squad for the match against Brighton.
Erik Ten Hag: “I had a choice to make.
“We had some issues, we need a full squad.
“He’s one of them and needs to compete for his position”.
"We always have to look to get better"
Erik ten Hag talks pre-season, Jadon Sancho and reinforcing his squad 💪
🎙️ @lynseyhipgrave1 | @rioferdy5 pic.twitter.com/8ttlRiNvwt
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 24, 2024
Speculation is growing that he could depart Old Trafford before the transfer window closes, with Juventus reportedly interested in him.
Sancho’s return to England in 2021 was met with great anticipation following his impressive performances for Dortmund in the Bundesliga.
The former Manchester City talent scored 50 goals and provided 64 assists in 137 games for the German giants, which saw his market value peak at €130 million.
United paid €85 million to acquire Sancho, but he has struggled to replicate his Bundesliga form, contributing just 18 goals and assists in 82 games.
Despite a fresh start this season, Sancho finds himself low on the pecking order at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag gave him only seven minutes off the bench against Manchester City in the Community Shield, where he missed a crucial penalty as United lost.
Sancho’s exclusion from the squad against Fulham highlights his precarious situation, with Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Amad competing for the two starting wing positions.
Although Sancho is arguably a better footballer than Antony, United may find it challenging to offload the Brazilian, while the Englishman has attracted interest from potential suitors.
The Athletic reported that Chelsea might make a move for Sancho before the transfer window closes on August 30.
Chelsea’s squad is already bloated, with Enzo Maresca managing only 21 players and around 20 players deemed surplus to requirements.
Despite having a surplus of wingers, including Raheem Sterling and Mykhaylo Mudryk, Sancho has been linked with the club by reputable sources.
Spanish outlet Sport reported on Thursday morning that Barcelona is considering a loan move for Sancho, which could appeal to the Englishman.
Additionally, PSG and United are in talks regarding Manuel Ugarte, with Sancho potentially moving to Paris as part of the deal.
Juventus are also keeping an eye on his availability.
Sancho could become one of the biggest names to move in the final week of the transfer window.
United value him at around €45 million, but this might be considered excessive by Juventus, and a sale would only be approved if it proves financially beneficial.
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