Jadon Sancho could cause Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund deal to collapse

Jadon Sancho could put an end to Manchester United’s pursuit of Atalanta star Rasmus Hojlund if he can impress in what remains of pre-season. The winger has struggled since making the move to Old Trafford but has been thrown another lifeline by Erik ten Hag, who sent the ex-Borussia Dortmund star abroad last season to work on his mental and physical fitness.

The Red Devils have been desperate to sign a striker since early last season, with Wout Weghorst joining the club on loan in January to plug a hole in Ten Hag’s squad temporarily. Tottenham’s Harry Kane and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen were both previously cited as targets, though their mammoth price tags have proven unattractive.

Instead, United are focusing on securing the services of talented prospect Hojlund from Atalanta, with PSG among his other suitors. The Danish international is keen on a move to the Theatre of Dreams, but he could find himself spending another season in the Serie A if United walk away from negotiations.

According to The Mirror, Ten Hag has ‘big expectations’ for Sancho this season and is keen to continue playing the England international as a false nine in pre-season to understand how suited he is to the role. The 23-year-old scored in his most recent appearance playing through the middle, smashing a fierce strike into the roof of the net in his side’s 2-0 win over Arsenal.

United have friendlies against Real Madrid, Dortmund, RC Lens and Athletic Club scheduled for before the season kicks off, and Ten Hag is expected to continue persisting with his new-look frontline with Sancho as a striker. If the versatile forward can impress in the role, it could leave his manager pondering whether he truly requires a marquee No 9 this summer.

The Red Devils are already questioning whether to continue negotiating with Atalanta for Hojlund as they are not willing to meet his valuation of £80million. Instead, United are looking to negotiate a deal in the region of £60m and they ‘won’t be held ransom’ by the Serie A outfit.