Two reasons why Manchester United ought to sell Jadon Sancho in January but won’t

At Euro 2020, staged in 2021, German media were astounded at how little England boss Gareth Southgate was using Jadon Sancho.

The winger - then aged 21 - started just one game and played just seven minutes in two other matches, including the final. Sitting across from him on the bench was 18-year-old Borussia Dortmund teammate Jude Bellingham, who was also getting German analysts excited.

He featured in three matches at the tournament although played 40 minutes fewer and stayed on the bench as the final went to penalties. Today, ahead of Euro 2024, everyone is putting Golden Boy winner Bellingham as the first name on the team sheet while Sancho is not even in the squad conversation.

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Manchester United forked out £73m for Sancho more than two years ago and will be fortunate to get two-thirds of that back. He remains exiled amid his ongoing fallout with Erik ten Hag, almost certainly killing any dreams of a return to Germany with England for next summer's Euros.

It seems he will be leaving Manchester at some point, though. His refusal to budge over an apology to his manager means an exit in January is likely, although probably only on loan.

In an ideal world, United should be aiming for a sale. Firstly, it is never beneficial having a first-team star exiled from the squad with the saga looming over the heads of the remaining members.

Of course, he is out of the frame with the senior side so focus will not be as easily distracted but out of sight does not mean out of mind. Players have told Sancho he is in the wrong and have urged him to apologise, so teammates are clearly still in contact.

This all plays into the