With every hour that Jadon Sancho kept his infamous social media post pinned to his X profile, a Manchester United return became less likely.
Sancho felt compelled to speak out after being left out of the United squad for their 3-1 defeat at Arsenal before the international break. After the result, Ten Hag admitted the 23-year-old was fit but cited poor performances in training as the reason for his omission.
In a 110-word statement, the Reds winger claimed he was being made a ‘scapegoat’. It seemed like a heat-of-the-moment response but the fact it remained on his profile for over a week proved it was anything but.
A refusal to apologise has seen Sancho banished from the first-team squad and the Manchester Evening News reported in September that he would be open to leaving in January should he remain out in the cold. Reports in Germany now suggest an exit is not only possible but likely, with Borussia Dortmund keen on a potential loan deal for their former star.
His departure would force United to bring forward their summer transfer plans, with Ten Hag pin-pointing four broad areas of the squad that need strengthening. Full-back, centre-back and central midfield should remain well-stocked for the season but the squad is light further forward.
Sancho’s would be the second unexpected exit in that area of the pitch, with United originally intending to reintegrate Mason Greenwood. However, following a leak of their plans and subsequent backlash, they were forced to backtrack and send the forward to Getafe on loan.
United have only had one natural option on the right wing in recent weeks. Facundo Pellistri has looked bright in spells but cannot be relied upon as regular and genuine competition.
Similarly, Amad enjoyed an excellent loan spell at Sunderland last season but cannot be expected to make the jump from Championship to Champions League once he returns from injury. Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes can both do a job out wide but square pegs should not be placed into round holes every week.
Antony’s return will bring welcome relief for Ten Hag, with the Brazilian back in Manchester after addressing allegations of abuse made against him – he denies all allegations. He has been reintroduced into the squad after a short leave of absence.
He is Ten Hag’s record signing but hasn’t set the world alight in 13 months at the club, with moments of brilliance failing to develop into the consistent form that is expected of an £85.5million player. Regardless of form, competition is needed.
United’s lack of goals this season – they have just seven in the Premier League – is a result of numerous problems, but personnel issues are at least part of the issue. Antony had not opened his account before the international break and Pellistri is yet to score.
They are light on goals going forward and Sancho’s exit would magnify the issue. United were planning on addressing that area of the pitch next summer but might be left with little choice but to act early.