MAN UTD BELATEDLY ANNOUNCE JADON SANCHO TRANSFER AFTER RAPID ERIK TEN HAG U-TURN

Manchester United have belatedly confirmed Jadon Sancho's move to Chelsea almost 20 HOURS after the transfer window shut on Friday.

The 24-year-old winger joins the Blues on loan for the 2024/25 season but will remain at Stamford Bridge beyond that date with Chelsea obligated to pay a fee worth up £25million to make the move permanent. United signed Sancho three years ago for £73m.

The former Borussia Dortmund star drew interest from Juventus over the summer but preferred a move to west London from Old Trafford. Sancho was not in either of United's squads for their opening two Premier League games.

The club confirmed Sancho's departure in a short statement, which read: " Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho has joined Chelsea on loan for the remainder of the season. The 24-year-old England international sealed his move late on transfer deadline day, with the announcement coming on Saturday evening.

"Sancho returned to United earlier this summer following a half-season loan spell at former club Borussia Dortmund in Germany. He will now link up with Enzo Maresca’s Blues squad at Stamford Bridge.

"We wish Jadon good luck for the campaign to come."

Sancho said: "I’m really excited to be here. London is where I grew up and I’m happy to be back.

"The manager spoke to me about the project and, for a young player, it's exciting. Hopefully I can bring goals and assists to the Bridge."

The deal saw a rapid turnaround after Erik ten Hag declared in his Friday press conference that he did not expect Sancho to depart. "He is a player in our squad and we are happy with him," United's boss said previewing his side's clash against Liverpool.

"We need a good squad, we need depth in the squad. We have to play many games until January, [with] the new format of Europe. After the break, we will play every third day, so we need, absolutely, options."

Sancho has revealed his allegiance to Chelsea in the past. In 2021 the Blues' latest signing admitted he supported the club in his youth and highlighted his favourite players.

"I’d probably say Frank Lampard. I was a Chelsea fan growing up, I can’t lie," Sancho said. "Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard were my favourite players at the time.

"I just loved Frank Lampard and how he played his game – he was so direct and so composed on the ball. I like things like that."

Sancho will be unavailable for Chelsea's match against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Sunday after missing the deadline to be registered by on Friday. The attacker's first opportunity to make his debut will come after the international break against Bournemouth.

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2024-08-31T18:41:26Z dg43tfdfdgfd