Maresca hinted that he wanted to keep Sancho when he said: "We are going to sit with the club and decide what happens for next year. He's come here and got his career back on track. I still think there is more to come from him; I really do."
ESPN reports that Chelsea retreated from the deal for Sancho as he wouldn't budge on his £300,000 weekly pay at United, a figure higher than club captain Reece James (£250,000) and more than double that of star midfielder Cole Palmer (£130,000). Sancho expressed his gratitude after his exit, posting on social media: "Grateful for the experience. Big love to everyone at Chelsea who made me feel at home - team-mates, staff and the fans. Wishing the club all the best moving forward. Truly grateful."
His £300k-a-week salary demands mean Sancho's market could be slim. His prospects at United are dimming with the arrival of Matheus Cunha for £62.5m and the potential arrival of Bryan Mbeumo. Saudi Pro League clubs like Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad, known to match high wages, are in the running and could be viable options for Sancho.
Ivan Toney's selection for England, despite playing for Al-Ahli, also proves that a move to the Middle East does not end an international career. With the World Cup taking place next year, Sancho will be happy to see that Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel is not put off by such a move.
Back in May, Bayer Leverkusen considered a bid for the ex-Dortmund player, but that ship looks to have sailed with Erik ten Hag now at the helm at the BayArena. Sancho's contract at Old Trafford is set to expire on June 30, 2026.
This summer is United's prime chance to profit from his services, despite the slim likelihood of recouping the £73m they shelled out to Dortmund in the summer of 2021. If a permanent move maintaining his salary isn't feasible this year, Sancho's next best alternative might be another loan stint, having already spent six months at Dortmund and a year at Stamford Bridge.
However, with United aiming to strengthen their forward line, they would undoubtedly favour a permanent transfer that ensures them a fee and removes Sancho from their wage bill.
It's yet another challenging situation for the former Manchester City academy star, who was predicted to achieve great things when he first started turning heads at Dortmund as a teenager.