United could be directly affected by the result of tonight's Champions League final (Image: GETTY)
Manchester United will be nervously watching to see how Jadon Sancho performs in tonight's Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid. The German outfit will go into the match as the clear underdogs against Europe's most successful side, with Real Madrid chasing an unprecedented 15th title.
United were knocked out of the Champions League at the first hurdle, finishing bottom of their group with just one win from six matches. However, those in power at Old Trafford could be directly impacted by the outcome of tonight's final depending on how Sancho performs.
The former England winger was loaned to Dortmund in January after falling out with Erik ten Hag and refusing to apologise to the United manager. He has enjoyed a new lease of life back at his former club, chipping in with three goals and three assists in all competitions.
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The forward is widely expected to leave United at some point over the coming weeks, especially if Ten Hag keeps his job at Old Trafford next season. The better Sancho plays in the final, the more likely it is that United will be able to drive up his asking price for any clubs interested in a permanent deal.
It remains to be seen where Sancho will be playing his football next season, with Dortmund thought to be keen on bringing him back to Germany. However, it has been reported that a loan deal would be their preference with a view to signing him on a permanent basis in the summer of 2025.
United, meanwhile, would reportedly like to sell Sancho in a bid to offset their loss and help ensure their compliance with Premier League financial rules. A strong performance in tonight's final could boost Sancho's transfer value, but there is no guarantee that Dortmund will be in a position to meet United's demands when the bidding opens.
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United legend Rio Ferdinand has already vowed to support Dortmund in tonight's Wembley showdown but for a different reason, with the 45-year-old wanting to see Sancho complete his redemption arc by winning the biggest prize in European football.
"I'd love Jadon to win it for that reason," said Ferdinand. "I don't really care about Dortmund, I don't care who wins this, really, if I'm honest. But for someone like Jadon, it'd be great for young people to see people that can go through a little bit of downturn in confidence.
"Having to change environment, club, be vilified at times, be on the receiving end of bit criticism, but then come out the other end and produce some performances. Get to a place where actually, I can be successful over here now. It just shows that if you've got that resilience and that character and that support, then anything is possible."
