Manchester United decides not to renew Sancho's contract, allowing Rashford to leave on a free transfer! Rashford shines while Barcelona aims to negotiate a lower price.

The "Manchester Evening News" reports that Manchester United is ready to allow Sancho to leave on a free transfer after this season. While the club has a one-year priority renewal clause, activating it might bring trouble. Thus, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Ineos team plans to waive the transfer fee to make sure Sancho departs for good and does not come back.

Sancho is currently on loan at Aston Villa this season but has not shown standout performances so far. Ideally, if he impresses at Villa Park and attracts multiple buyers, Manchester United could extend his contract by a year to secure a transfer fee from his sale.

Unfortunately, reality is much harsher than expected. Sancho’s performance level, his behavior, and his £250,000 weekly wage all dash the Red Devils' hopes. Since joining Manchester United from Dortmund in 2021 for £73 million, Sancho has consistently underperformed, and this loan to Villa marks his third temporary move.

During his previous two loans, Sancho performed well at Dortmund and was decent at Chelsea, yet neither club completed a permanent transfer. Chelsea even paid £5 million in compensation to send him back to Manchester United. Aston Villa is confident in helping this controversial English talent regain form and plans to sign him permanently after the season ends.

The "Manchester Evening News" states that Villa has secured priority signing rights from Sancho and his agent. However, Emery’s team will only proceed with a free transfer; if Manchester United insists on extending the contract to demand a transfer fee, they might walk away. Therefore, the "Daily Mirror" reports that Manchester United is ready to relinquish their renewal rights and let Sancho leave on a free, officially parting ways.

Renewing Sancho's contract could secure a transfer fee, but it might also trigger another fiasco. Similar to this summer, when Manchester United and Roma agreed on a transfer fee, Sancho refused to take a pay cut to join Roma, ultimately ensuring he retained all his Manchester United wages.

Another Manchester United loanee faces uncertainty over his transfer next year. Although Rashford has performed well at Barcelona and gained some recognition, he has been involved in goals in his last five matches. In Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad, the 27-year-old Rashford assisted Araujo’s winning goal and helped Koundé equalize, playing a key role in the comeback.

Barcelona’s "Mundo Deportivo" said: "Loaned from Manchester United, this season has been a test for Rashford, but no other loanee in major leagues has outperformed him. So far, he has passed the test perfectly, with crucial contributions and some spectacular long-range goals."

However, Premier League financial advisor Stefan Borsen predicts Manchester United will still face major challenges regarding Rashford’s permanent transfer. Although Barcelona holds a €30 million buyout clause, it is an option, not an obligation. Following Barcelona’s usual approach, they will likely push for a further price reduction. British media revealed Barcelona aims to lower the fee to €25 million. Real Betis’ acquisition of Antony last summer might serve as a model for the La Liga champions to follow.

"Rashford might ultimately deal a heavy blow to Manchester United, similar to Antony," Borsen analyzed. "It’s clear United wants to sell him, but what will happen next summer? Regardless of whether he performs excellently, averagely, or inconsistently, if only one club bids and the player only wants Barcelona, Manchester United may have to drop the price to €25 million."