£73 million signing Jadon Sancho released after 5 years at Manchester United

Manchester United have confirmed the release of England winger Jadon Sancho.

The 24-year-old signed from Borussia Dortmund for £73 million in July 2021 amid huge expectations but has spent the last three seasons out on loan.

His career at Manchester United stalled after a public disagreement with then-manager Erik ten Hag following his omission from the squad to face Arsenal in August 2023.

Since then, apart from a brief cameo in the 2024 Community Shield, Sancho has not featured for United.

Chelsea decided to avoid buying Sancho after his loan in 2024-25. He then joined Aston Villa, where he only started nine league games in his year playing for Unai Emery.

His time at Aston Villa ended in a Europa League triumph in May 2026.

Sancho has played in a European final for each of his three loan clubs, Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, and Aston Villa, each in a different competition.

Wednesday’s announcement ends months of speculation about his future away from Old Trafford.

United’s decision to let Sancho go brings the curtain down on the tenure of the fourth most expensive signing in the club's history.

Tyrell Malacia and Casemiro have also left the club following the expiry of their contracts.

Want more on the issues affecting the North? Our podcast, From the North answers the questions that matter to our region.