Sir Jim Ratcliffe makes bold Jadon Sancho decision as Man Utd take big hit

Manchester United are ready to let Jadon Sancho leave on a free transfer in a shocking turn of events for the £73million signing from Borussia Dortmund. The 25-year-old has become an outcast at Old Trafford and is currently on his third loan spell away from the club. After returning to the Bundesliga with Dortmund and a disappointing stint at Chelsea, he's now plying his trade at Aston Villa.

The Villans are hopeful that they can help the former Manchester City youngster rediscover his form, with a view to making the move permanent at the end of the season. Sancho is hoping to become a free agent when his current £200,0000-a-week deal at United expires in June, although the Red Devils have the option to extend his contract by a further 12 months.

This would allow United to ask for a nominal fee for the winger, but they're aware they won't recoup a significant amount of their initial investment. However, activating the extension could complicate any potential move for Sancho.

It's understood that United are so eager to part ways with Sancho, that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is willing to let him leave without receiving a penny - marking the end of one of the most disastrous signings in English football history.

This is promising for Villa, who will be the priority for Sancho and his team if he can prove himself during his stint in the West Midlands.

Sancho made a move to United in 2021 in a £73m deal that was widely regarded as quite a steal at the time, given the impression he had left in Germany. However, he failed to make a significant impact and was loaned back to Dortmund after a public spat with former United manager Erik ten Hag.

He played 31 matches for Chelsea last season, aiding them in securing the UEFA Conference League. However, Chelsea had to cough up a £5m penalty fee to United, after declining the option to seal the deal permanently for £25m.

Sancho returned to United in June, but found himself among five stars banned from joining the squad for pre-season training by manager Ruben Amorim. He was instructed to stay away and sort out his future, which he did by orchestrating a move to Villa.