06 September 2023 , 16:22
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Barely two years since joining Manchester United in a blockbuster £73million deal, Jadon Sancho's long-term future at the club is seemingly in jeopardy.
The England winger has struggled to emulate his dazzling Bundesliga returns in the Premier League and was left out of the squad which travelled to Arsenal at the weekend by Erik ten Hag, who cited the forward's poor performances in training whilst explaining his absence.
Sancho instantly bit back at Ten Hag on social media by dismissing the Dutchman's claims, declaring he had been made a "scapegoat" for too long. Unsurprisingly, those rash remarks have not down well at Old Trafford, with Ten Hag now understood to be mulling over his next move.
Unfortunately, this public spat with Ten Hag is the latest chapter in what has been a relatively underwhelming stint at Manchester United for Sancho.
The 23-year-old arrived on these shores with his stock at an all-time high following a highly productive four-year stint in Germany with Dortmund, who were paid a handsome sum for his services. The Red Devils finally got their man after lengthy negotiations with the German giants who, tellingly, rejected what they deemed to be 'un-realistic' add-on clauses, per The Athletic.
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This included a Ballon d'Or clause: an add-on which would have triggered a further payment to Dortmund should Sancho be included in the top three contenders for the coveted award.
Join the debate! Do you think there is any way back for Sancho at Man Utd? Let us know here.
Borussia Dortmund were reluctant to entertain 'unrealistic add-ons' during negotiations with Man United for Jadon Sancho (Getty Images)Dortmund's reluctance to entertain such clauses may have been an indicator that they had doubts Sancho's performances in the Bundesliga would translate into further success at Old Trafford.
The winger has scored just 12 goals in all competitions since leaving Dortmund and has also dropped off the radar for England. A report from The Mail earlier this week indicated that Sancho's time-keeping issues are a concern for both club and country; a problem that has plagued him throughout his fledgling career.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand hinted that there may be no way back for Sancho on his FIVE YouTube channel. He said: "There's no way Jadon is putting out a statement like that if he hasn't in his own eyes performed well.
"That's the difference as well. On his chart, Jadon [might think] - 'I've trained alright', but the manager might have a different standard. There's two ways this ends. There's only one window open now and that's Saudi. Or you're on the bench or not getting in the squad for the rest of the season."