Manchester United have finally confirmed one of their worst-kept secrets.
The Red Devils have officially announced on their website that Jadon Sancho will leave Old Trafford at the end of this month.
Tyrell Malacia and Casemiro will also follow him through the exit door as their contracts expire this summer.
Sancho arrived at Old Trafford amid huge excitement following a transfer saga that dominated headlines in 2021.
After pursuing the winger for almost two years, United finally secured his signature from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth £73 million.
It was hailed as a statement signing, with supporters believing Sancho could help restore the club to the summit of English and European football.
Five years later, it is difficult to view his move as anything other than one of the most disappointing transfers in United’s history.
Several high-profile signings, including Antony, Alexis Sanchez and Angel Di Maria, struggled to make their mark at the club, but Sancho’s story may be the most frustrating of them all.
The England international departs with a return of just 12 goals and six assists from 83 appearances.
Former manager Erik ten Hag showed tremendous faith in Sancho and even granted him time away from football to focus on his physical and mental wellbeing.
Despite that support, the winger failed to rediscover his best form and was subsequently loaned out to Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and, most recently, Aston Villa.
His struggles extended beyond the pitch, with his public comments about the club damaging his relationship with the fanbase.
Sancho is not the only player heading for the exit, with academy prospects Sonny Aljofree, James Bailey and Malachi Sharpe also being released.
Dermot Mee has been offered a new contract after establishing himself as a valuable figure within the first-team training environment over recent years.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com