Jadon Sancho might have just changed Erik ten Hag's transfer plans at Manchester United

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.

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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