Manchester United is holding firm on its stance not to facilitate a discounted departure for Jadon Sancho if a January move materializes, according to a source from ESPN. The club is open to offers for the English forward, who is currently sidelined from the first-team squad due to a public dispute with manager Erik ten Hag.
Despite interest from Juventus and Borussia Dortmund, United is determined to minimize the financial impact of Sancho’s exit. The source from ESPN notes that the club anticipates rival teams attempting to exploit the situation by proposing a loan deal, with United continuing to cover the majority of Sancho’s £300k-a-week wage. While a temporary arrangement is not ruled out, United would seek a substantial salary contribution and, ideally, a loan fee.
Sancho, who joined United in a £73 million deal from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, is under contract until 2026, with an option for an additional year. Ten Hag has requested an apology from Sancho for publicly contesting his omission from the lineup in the September defeat to Arsenal, a request Sancho has thus far declined.
United’s leadership, including football director John Murtough, supports Ten Hag, and the Dutchman is unlikely to change his stance, even if asked to review the situation by incoming shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team. Ratcliffe’s acquisition of a 25% stake for approximately £1.3 billion is set to be finalized promptly, with key INEOS figures, including Sir Dave Brailsford, assuming roles.
Despite the impending ownership change, a source told ESPN that Ten Hag will persist in seeking an apology from Sancho, both privately and publicly, before considering any potential return for the player at United.