The commencement of Manchester United’s 2024 calendar brought forth a surprising image: Jadon Sancho, a player sidelined from the squad since September, graced the January slot. Despite his uncertain future at United, the £73 million England winger found himself at the forefront of the calendar, yet his tenure at the club might be fleeting.
Following a rift with coach Erik ten Hag, Sancho’s training banishment to the academy squads ensued after he accused Ten Hag of misrepresenting his training performance on social media. United disclosed Sancho’s separation from the first-team group on September 14 due to disciplinary matters, leading to his exclusion from matches and confinement to training and dining within the academy premises at Carrington.
Given the improbability of reconciliation with Ten Hag, United aims to offload Sancho during the open transfer window. Meanwhile, the club’s reduced-price calendar spotlights Raphael Varane (May) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (September), both eligible to negotiate with foreign clubs for a potential summer transfer upon the expiration of their contracts.
Speculations indicate United’s decision not to trigger Varane’s contract extension, opting instead to pursue renegotiations at potentially reduced wages. The calendar, featuring various players per month, also includes Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and Marcus Rashford on the cover alongside Sancho and Varane.
February introduces summer signing Mason Mount, followed by Luke Shaw in March and Casemiro in April. The subsequent months showcase players like Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund, and Alejandro Garnacho. Wan-Bissaka is the focus for September, and the calendar rounds out the year with Lisandro Martinez, Fernandes, and Rashford.
United’s struggles continued into the New Year with a 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest, marking their ninth Premier League loss, leaving them in seventh place, trailing Arsenal by nine points and leaders Liverpool by 11.