Transfer Centre

Jadon Sancho to be handed Manchester United lifeline thanks to Jason Wilcox?

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 03 April 2024

Sancho to be handed Man Utd lifeline thanks to Wilcox?

Jadon Sancho could remain at Manchester United this summer if Jason Wilcox moves to Old Trafford as the club's new technical director, according to a report.

Jadon Sancho could reportedly remain at Manchester United this summer if Jason Wilcox moves to Old Trafford as the club's new technical director.

The Red Devils have allegedly made an approach for the 52-year-old, who has resigned from his role at Southampton and is expected to make the switch to Old Trafford in the near future.

Man United are believed to have offered approximately a year of his salary as compensation, with Wilcox viewed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe as a leading target, with the British billionaire recently becoming a minority shareholder of the 20-time English champions.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Wilcox's likely switch to Old Trafford could be positive news for Sancho, as the 53-year-old previously coached the attacker at Manchester City.

Wilcox was appointed Man City's Under-18s manager in 2013 before being promoted to head of academy and then academy director in 2017, and he only left the Citizens in January 2023.

Jason Wilcox in charge of Manchester City Under-18s in March 2015 © Reuters

Wilcox could attempt to keep Sancho at Man United

Sancho played under Wilcox during his youth career at the Etihad Stadium, and it is alleged that the forward could now be handed a lifeline by the former Blackburn Rovers winger.

The 24-year-old's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with Borussia Dortmund thought to be keen to re-sign him on a permanent basis at the end of the campaign.

Sancho only made three appearances for Man United in the first half of the season before moving to Dortmund on loan in January, and he has scored twice and registered two assists in 11 appearances during his second spell with the Bundesliga outfit.

BVB are said to be keen on a long-term deal this summer, but the German club could struggle to afford him, as the Red Devils have the attacker on a contract until June 2026.

Manchester United attacker Jadon Sancho on July 30, 2023 © Reuters

Sancho's relationship with Ten Hag could be beyond repair

Sancho's future could also change if Erik ten Hag leaves as head coach this summer, with the Dutchman's position being called into question.

Ratcliffe and his team have not publicly backed Ten Hag, and a change in the dug-out could occur this summer, with INEOS said to be weighing up the options on the market, including England manager Gareth Southgate.

Ten Hag said that he left Sancho out of the squad against Arsenal at the start of September due to some poor performances in training from the forward.

However, the ex-Man City youngster, who has scored 12 times and registered six assists in his 82 appearances for Man United, took to social media after the Premier League match to insist that was not the case, effectively calling his manager a liar.

Sancho was removed from the first-team picture having refused to apologise, and it remains to be seen whether he represents the 20-time English champions again.