Manchester United expect Jadon Sancho to leave the club in the summer regardless of whether Erik ten Hag remains in charge or not, a source has told ESPN.
Sancho was loaned to former club Borussia Dortmund in January following a public fall-out with Ten Hag.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
The Dutchman’s future as manager is in doubt after a disappointing season, but a source has told ESPN that United are still planning for Sancho’s departure.
United are not expected to make a decision on Ten Hag’s future until after the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25.
Sancho has an agreement with Borussia Dortmund until the end of the season, but without any option or obligation to make the move permanent.
The Bundesliga side would like to keep the 24-year-old, but sources have told ESPN that they cannot match his United wage and would be unable to meet any demand for a significant fee.
A second loan spell covering the 2024-25 season is a possibility, but United’s preference is for a permanent transfer.
Sancho, who is under contract until 2026, joined United in a £73 million ($91.3m) deal in 2021 and the club would ideally like to recoup as much of the fee as possible.
“So let’s say this: [on Wednesday vs. PSG] he played very good and he’s a very good player,” Ten Hag told a news conference on Thursday. “Yesterday he showed why Manchester United bought him and he showed he represents a high value for Manchester United, which is good.
“I’m happy for Jadon, for the performance yesterday, and we’ll see what is going to happen in the future.”
The England international has starred for Dortmund during their Champions League run and was the stand-out performer in the 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinal first leg on Wednesday.
“I appreciate all the compliments but I take it game by game,” he told broadcaster CBS afterwards. “Performances like today, I hope can carry on. I came here at 17, they gave me the opportunity to play professional football and I am delighted to be welcomed back and I am focused on the present right now.”
Ten Hag has left the door open for Sancho to return if the former City youngster makes an apology for hitting out at the United coach on social media.
However, club sources have told ESPN the relationship between the pair may be beyond repair and a fresh start for Sancho would be the best outcome for all parties.
