Manchester United superstar left out of first-team squad for Fulham clash amid exit rumours

Manchester United began their 2024-25 Premier League campaign against Fulham on Wednesday night. But the squad picked by head coach Erik ten Hag excluded Jadon Sancho, who has been linked with a move away from the club.

While there weren't much expectation of Sancho starting, his absence from the squad has come as a surprise. According to Spanish football outlet Fichajes, the English winger is no longer a part of Ten Hag's plans and is eager to finalise a move to Paris Saint-Germain before the summer window ends.

Last season, Sancho was exiled from the main squad for a public spat with Ten Hag regarding the reasons for his omission from the squad for the Arsenal game. However, after his return to form following a successful stint at Borussia Dortmund, reports suggested that the two had reconciled.

However, it seems like Sancho is closer to the exit door at Old Trafford than ever. The 24-year-old signed for Manchester United in 2021 and has made 83 appearances, scoring 12 times and assisting six.

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How have Manchester United lined up against Fulham in their Premier League opener?

Erik ten Hag made only a single change to his lineup from the Community Shield defeat to Manchester City. Andre Onana expectedly started in goal, while Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire formed the centre-back pairing.

New signing Noussair Mazraoui was handed a start after signing for the Red Devils, while Diogo Dalot started as the left-back. Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo formed the midfield pivot, while Mason Mount kept his place in the starting lineup.

Rashford, despite his underwhelming performances and gilt-edged misses against City, was picked to partner Amad Diallo as the two wingers. Bruno Fernandes started as the makeshift No. 9.

Fulham, meanwhile, are no pushovers under Marco Silva, as they proved last season with a respectable 13th-placed finish. Record signing Emil Smith Rowe made his debut for the Cottagers, starting as the attacking midfielder. Manchester United will have to be vary of the former Arsenal midfielder's ball-carrying prowess.