Manchester United have reportedly told Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho to stay away from their pre-season training as they search for new clubs. The attacking duo are returning from loans but are considered surplus to requirements.
Greenwood spent last season on loan at Getafe after United decided he should kickstart his career away from Old Trafford. That decision was made in the aftermath of a Crown Prosecution Service announcement in March 2023 that charges of attempted rape, controlling behaviour, and assault made against the 22-year-old had been dropped.
Sancho, meanwhile, had a public falling out with Erik ten Hag in the early weeks of last season. Ten Hag had claimed that Sancho’s exclusion from a 3-1 defeat against Arsenal in late August was due to his training performances.
That prompted public criticism from Sancho, who was subsequently banished from the first-team squad and trained alone until he joined Borussia Dortmund on loan in January. The winger performed superbly with the German team but will reportedly not return to United.
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According to HITC, United will exclude Greenwood and Sancho from their pre-season training plans. The club have reportedly decided that it would be best for neither player to be seen to be taking part in their preparations for the 2024-25 campaign. Ten Hag’s squad are expected to report for pre-season around July 8.
Greenwood and Sancho are expected to leave Old Trafford over the coming weeks. Clubs in Italy, France and Germany have been linked with Greenwood, who scored eight La Liga goals for Getafe last season, in addition to registering six assists.
Sancho rejoined Dortmund and helped the Bundesliga side reach the Champions League final, which they lost against Real Madrid. The 24-year-old was particularly impressive in the European competition.
United are expected to accelerate their summer plans following the arrival of Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director. A deal to hire the former FA technical director from Newcastle was finally reached this week. He had been on gardening leave at St. James’ Park since February.
Defensive reinforcements are likely to be paramount at United during this window. Ten Hag was very rarely able to select his back four from a fully fit complement of defenders.
Reports in the Netherlands claim that an offer has been made to Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, although a fee has not been agreed with the German club. United have also had bids rejected by Everton for England centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.
