When Jadon Sancho joined Manchester United for £73million in 2021, it finally brought an end to their long pursuit of the Borussia Dortmund star.

This was meant to be a story of an English wonderkid returning home, ready to embark upon an era of dominance at his country's most-decorated club. 

Unfortunately, it didn't work out like that and after two-and-a-half largely underwhelming seasons, Sancho went back to Dortmund on loan in January in an attempt to resurrect his career following a fall-out with Erik ten Hag.

Another promising young star who once played alongside Sancho was Mason Greenwood, whose United career fell apart after criminal allegations against him of attempted rape, assault and coercive control - which he denied - were made.  The charges were subsequently dropped after the withdrawal of key witnesses.

The forward was ultimately shipped out from Old Trafford last September when it was mutually agreed he would play no further role with the club following an internal investigation, with Greenwood joining Getafe. 

Man United loaned out both Jadon Sancho (L) and Mason Greenwood (R) over the season

They enjoyed impressive seasons, with Greenwood returning 10 goals and six assists in 36 appearances across all competitions.

Sancho, meanwhile, was rejuvenated back at his former club, playing a crucial role in their run to the Champions League final. 

Read More

Premier League clubs express interest in signing Mason Greenwood... with Man United working on the assumption that he WILL be sold this summer

Both players look to have no future at Old Trafford, although there is a chance Sancho may be reintegrated if Ten Hag is sacked as manager this summer.

Before their exits, United would have hoped Sancho and Greenwood would impress on their temporary spells, raising their value, before moving them on for big money.

And while Greenwood and Sancho definitely put themselves in the shop window, it is looking unlikely that United will be able to recoup large fees for the pair.

Firstly, with Sancho, given the Red Devils spent £73m on the 24-year-old, the club will need to work out how much of a loss they are willing to make.

Transfermarkt value the winger at £25.5m, something that would see them make a £47.5m loss on the fee they paid three years ago.

Another potential red flag for any suitors is Sancho's reported £250,000-a-week wages, with United said to have paid a third of his salary during that stint at Dortmund.

In an era of FFP worries, clubs will be reluctant or unable to match that salary and Sancho is contracted at Old Trafford until 2026.

Similarly Sancho's failure at United could put off other English clubs from making a move and while Dortmund are believed to be keen on bringing him back for a third stint, reports in German outlet BILD claimed they would only be able to afford a loan.

Elsewhere, there have been limited reports of interest in Sancho, and while that could change, it is currently looking like another loan move away may be the only solution for all parties involved.

Read More

New Man United part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe opens the door for Mason Greenwood to return to the club following dropped attempted rape charges

Sancho's contract, coupled with the financial limitations of various suitors, means this it is going to be a transfer saga that has plenty of twists and turns to come.

This is without mentioning the fact that United's bargaining power in any deal remains next to nothing while Sancho's adversary Ten Hag remains in charge. 

Elsewhere, it was widely anticipated that there was zero chance Greenwood would ever play for United again, and while that is still expected, new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently hinted that the door was not completely closed.

Speaking in February at what was his first public appearance since the purchase of his minority stake in the club was confirmed, the British billionaire said: 'He’s a Manchester United footballer so we are in charge of football.

'So the answer is yes, we have to make decisions. It’s quite clear we have to make a decision. There is no decision that’s been made. 

'He’s on loan obviously but he’s not the only one. We’ve got one or two footballers that we have to deal with and we have to make a decision on so we will do that.

'The process will be: understand the facts, not the hype and then try and come to a fair decision on the basis of values which is basically is he a good guy or not, and answer could he play sincerely for Manchester United well and would we be comfortable with it and would the fans be comfortable with it.'

While those comments understandably created plenty of conjecture and controversy,  there is a chance Ratcliffe was merely trying to strengthen United's hands in negotiations.

Deep down, teams know there is next to no chance Greenwood will ever represent United again and if Ratcliffe had actively come out and confirmed this, clubs know they could lowball them with offers, at rates below the forward's £12.76m market value, as per Transfmarkt.

Greenwood only has a year remaining on his current deal, although United do have the option to extend for a further 12 months. 

There has been significant interest in the 22-year-old, who appeared to say goodbye to Getafe at the end of the season, despite the LaLiga club being keen to keep him.

'Incredibly grateful to the Getafe family and fans for an amazing season,' he wrote on Instagram.

Read More

Napoli 'contact Man United over summer transfer for Mason Greenwood' - with forward 'keen to test himself at a higher level next season'

'Thank you for making me feel welcomed and one of your own. I enjoyed every second, alongside my team-mates and club.

'A bittersweet ending, but it was a pleasure to play for you. I wish you all the best.'

The chances of Greenwood making a permanent exit are seemingly more likely due to the interest in him already.

Several clubs have been touted with a potential move from across Europe, including Napoli, Juventus and Lazio in Serie A.

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund are another club that appear to be keen on signing the 22-year-old, while Barcelona were tipped with making an attempt to bring in the forward back in January.

Elsewhere, Mail Sport reported in April how several Premier League sides have expressed an interest in bringing him in.

Greenwood's £75,000-a-week wages could prove problematic, although the size of clubs interested, coupled with a desire from the player to get his career back on track may mean this is no issue.

Overall, there is no doubt both Greenwood and Sancho have increased their value thanks to their exploits on loan.

However, the circumstances of both players and their relationships with those at Old Trafford mean that the big-money exits United might have hoped for could prove to be problematic.

The reported interest in Greenwood suggests a permanent departure for the 22-year-old may be more likely but the Red Devils lack bargaining power in each circumstance.

Yet, several teams will still be keen on pursuing the pair and the sagas surrounding their futures could rumble on all summer.