Jadon Sancho is reportedly set to see out the entire season with Aston Villa, as there is no clause in his loan deal that would allow Manchester United to bring him back to Old Trafford. The Red Devils are also set to keep hold of Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee, despite interest from other clubs, due to concerns over losing players to the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ruben Amorim is enjoying a successful stint as head coach, having led the team to three consecutive league victories. Wins against Sunderland, arch-rivals Liverpool, and Brighton have put United just one point shy of the Champions League spots as November begins.
They’ll be looking to further cement their European ambitions when they face struggling Nottingham Forest this weekend.
The summer signings of Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo have significantly boosted United’s attack. The Cameroonian international has scored three goals in two matches, Sesko found the back of the net twice before the international break, and Cunha opened his account during the 4-2 victory over Brighton.
However, speculation continues to swirl around the futures of Zirkzee, Sancho and Mainoo, who have fallen out of favour at Old Trafford. All three have been linked with moves away from the club, with West Ham, Sevilla and Napoli among the potential suitors.
However, due to the impending AFCON tournament, United bosses face some crucial decisions. The Daily Mail claim that Sancho will not be returning to the club due to the absence of a break clause in their agreement with Villa.
Such a clause would have allowed United to recall him when the opportunity arose, much like Sergio Reguillon when he departed the club mid-season on loan. However, other reports suggest that United will prevent Zirkzee and Mainoo from leaving due to the squad’s involvement in the competition, which takes place from late December to early January in Morocco.
Mbeumo is expected to join his Cameroon teammates, while Amad could receive a call-up for Ivory Coast. Consequently, it has been suggested that the January departures have been halted to avoid leaving the team short-staffed during a busy period.
Amorim faces a selection dilemma during this time, with both players likely to miss consecutive home games against Newcastle and Wolves on 27 and 30 December, respectively.
Also included in their fixture list are matches against Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Leeds United, Burnley and Manchester City, along with the FA Cup third round at the start of the new year.
Sancho, on the other hand, has had a difficult beginning to his loan spell at Villa Park. This weekend, he was brought on as a substitute in the first half, only to be taken off towards the end of their 1-0 victory over Manchester City.
The 25-year-old has struggled to make an impact in Unai Emery’s squad, managing only five appearances across all competitions, including just two Premier League outings.
It is now reported that he will stay in the Midlands as no break clause was included in their loan agreement.
Unai Emery has explained his disappointing substitution off against City: “Yes, of course, this is my objective, to get him back to his best – and if he does that, then he’ll come back to the national team.
“Of course, he’s still young. He’s still hungry to show his capacity to play with his skills, his qualities, and hopefully we can exploit here, again, his best.”