Jadon Sancho is the one player who absolutely must, or at least will, depart Manchester United during the January transfer window. Since September, he has been completely cut off from the rest of the team and hasn’t played since August. How did this come about? In essence, manager Erik ten Hag stated that Sancho didn’t perform well enough in training to be included in the squad when a reporter asked why the player wasn’t in the matchday squad.

The English winger/attacking midfield player was placed on internal suspension and was never allowed to return to the team until he made a public apology. Here we are, then. On June 28, 2021, United paid about $100 million to purchase Sancho from Borussia Dortmund, and it appears that he will be returning there.

The rumors that Borussia Dortmund would be willing to let Donyell Malen, who they signed two years ago as a straight replacement for Sancho, leave as part of a possible trade have been publicly refuted. Nevertheless, Sancho is still adored at BVB, and they appear to be setting the example at the moment for obtaining—or in this instance, regaining—the huge flop.

But Dortmund has fierce competition in their own division because RB Leipzig is also regarded as a strong contender. Moving him, nevertheless, will be extremely difficult and troublesome due to his £250,000 weekly salary and United’s demand for a payment of at least €35 million (£30 million).

Given that A.) the player has had serious attitude problems (which are well documented) everywhere he has played and B.) his form has been horrible over the last few years, it is going to be a very difficult sale.

Among the five players on our short list who are most likely to leave United in January is Jadon Sancho.

Given that United was recently subjected to Financial Fair Play sanctions, it is quite doubtful that they will invest significant funds in trying to acquire a replacement for Sancho—or anybody else—in the upcoming window.