Erik ten Hag reveals transfer disappointment amid direct Jadon Sancho to Chelsea update

Erik ten Hag has revealed a Manchester United transfer disappointment amid a direct update on Jadon Sancho’s transfer status.

Manchester United are aiming to complete multiple player sales on the final day of the transfer window to free up funds following the signings of Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and Manuel Ugarte.

Manager Erik ten Hag has already generated over £60 million from the sales of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Mason Greenwood, Willy Kambwala, and others. Additional sales are anticipated to be announced ahead of the 11 p.m. deadline on Friday.

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Jadon Sancho is the most notable high-value player likely to be sold before the deadline. However, Scott McTominay’s move to Napoli is another transfer from Old Trafford that is expected to be announced in the next few hours.

McTominay has signed for the Serie A club in a transfer secured at a little over £30 million, which records are pure profit for the Red Devils, giving them much-needed breathing room with regards to profit and sustainability rules.

Ten Hag, however, has expressed disappointment at the move, explaining he would rather have kept the Scottish international.

“I’m very happy for him and for us, but it’s mixed [feelings] because I would have preferred not to lose him. He has Manchester United in his veins,” he told reporters on Friday afternoon.

“He was so important for our team, he was at Manchester United for over 22 years. But unfortunately, it’s the rules.

“You have to discuss the rules to do sells and obviously homegrown players, academy players, bring more value.

“It’s not the right thing to do, but for everyone, for all parts, it’s a good deal. For Scott, he is happy with it. Of course, for Napoli, a very good player, but also for us.”

Further, Ten Hag was asked if he believed Sancho would stay beyond the deadline, and in a slightly surprising answer, he explained he thought the 24-year-old would stay at United.

“He is a player in our squad, and we are happy with him,” he answered when promoted about the player’s future. “We need a good squad. We need depth. We have to play many games until January. After the break, we play every third day, so we need options.”

Asked if he will stay, he added: “As I know, yeah.”

However, it must be noted that the transfer reports have since claimed that United are open to loan offers for Sancho and that Chelsea are currently the most advanced club.

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