Five possible Sancho successors at Man Utd

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 11 Jan 2024 12:55 GMT
• 4 min read

Jadon Sancho has completed a loan return to Borussia Dortmund from Manchester United after falling out of favour under Erik ten Hag.

Ten Hag publicly called out Sancho’s conduct in training, leading to the playmaker to make a social media post (now deleted) in which he claimed he was being made a ‘scapegoat’ by the head coach.

He refused to apologise to Ten Hag, with a move to Dortmund now completed. It now begs the question of who Man Utd will look to replace the 23-year-old.

So far this season, their first choice, Antony, has yet to score or assist a goal in the Premier League. They need to bring in someone to deputise or even compete with the attacker. Here are some names that the club could be looking at, if they aren't already.

Michael Olise

The biggest story of the past week has been Man Utd’s links to Michael Olise. The club are eyeing the Crystal Palace star ahead of a summer move, given there is no chance a deal will happen in the January window. The Red Devils have identified the Frenchman as one of the first signings of the new era, as part of their Ineos overhaul.

The 22-year-old signed a four-year deal with Palace in August, but as part of that contract comes a release clause that comes active in the summer. It’s not clear yet what the amount is but it’s believed to be a significant rise to his former £35million stipulation that was attached to his previous deal.

Johan Bakayoko

Johan Bakayoko has also been linked with an Old Trafford switch. It’s reported that Ten Hag’s men are closely monitoring the talented Belgian winger this window.

A deal could be done with his current side, PSV Eindhoven, for around £34m if he decides to leave this month.

So far this campaign, Bakayoko has provided 17 goal contributions in 27 games. At just 20 years old, it’s clear there is a bright future ahead of the youngster. The winger started his career with the PSV youth side, before earning a call-up to the first-team three seasons ago. He has gone from strength to strength ever since.

Marcus Edwards

Marcus Edwards has quietly been tearing it up in Portugal for Sporting CP. The Englishman has nine goal contributions in 24 games so far this season for the league leaders.

Edwards is thought to have a £52m release clause at Sporting CP, but it could be that a deal is done for a cheaper price. Edwards, who can also play as a No.10 and even as a centre-forward, has terms with his current club that ends in 2026.

Donyell Malen

Donyell Malen was mooted for a like-for-like swap deal for Sancho, but that hasn’t come to fruition. Sancho’s inclusion back in the Dortmund side does raise questions over Malen’s future, though.

The Dutchman is widely considered to be an inconsistent performer - though, on the games that he does show up, he can light up the pitch. If a head coach can get the best out of Malen, then there is a real talent there. Trouble is, given Man Utd’s current plight, is he worth the risk?

Ferran Torres

Ferran Torres has frequently been associated with a potential departure from Barcelona. Some reports have suggested that the Spaniard is now open to the idea of leaving the Nou Camp - it’s believed that Torres doesn't sense full support from Xavi and his coaching staff, while the impending arrival of Vitor Roque is also seen as a potential challenge.

Torres enjoyed a decent tenure at Manchester City and knows how to deal with life in the Premier League, while Barcelona are certainly in need of the money.