The winger’s current deal is due to expire in 2026, with the arrangement currently costing United a money-sapping £13m a year, or another £32.5m over the duration of the time that is left.

As a result, it may ultimately prove to be in United’s best interest to consider a contract termination if they cannot find a new home for him come January.

After his first-team expulsion, Sancho has become a very expensive liability for United. And as a result, it’s no surprise to see Ratcliffe exploring potential ways to find a solution.

Sancho contract termination would be big show of faith for Ten Hag

While such a move would need going over with a fine toothcomb, moreover since the player would ultimately also need a pay-off too, such a conclusion still remains some distance off from being finalised.

However, Ratcliffe is reportedly aware that such a move is possible, having seemingly taken inspiration from Arsenal, who have themselves walked down a similar path.

Indeed, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has a similar falling out with controversial striker Pierre-Emerick Aubamayeng, who fell foul of a number of discplinary issues at the club. The former Borussia Dortmund striker was initially stripped off the captaincy, before Arteta and Co went one step further by removing him from the squad altogether, ultimately granting him a free-transfer move to Barcelona.

That would also be a big show of faith for Ten Hag, who has not so much struggled to show authority at United, but who has battled with many big egos at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag had a similar situation prior to that with Cristiano Ronaldo, who also had a very high-profile falling out with United, with the Portuguese superstar also seeing his contract terminated by mutual consent.

Of course by taking the same consequences with Sancho, it would also meaning United bidding farewell to the huge £73m fee they paid to Dortmund in the summer of 2021 for the 23-times capped England winger.

But the move would allow both club and player to move on from what has been a thoroughly-forgettable period.

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