Manchester United’s plans to secure the signing of a new striker on transfer deadline day collapsed after Jadon Sancho refused to leave the club, effectively preventing the arrival of Argentine forward Lautaro Martinez. The dramatic twist unfolded on the final day of the summer transfer window, leaving United fans frustrated as the club failed to strengthen its attacking options.
Reports from Old Trafford confirmed that United had lined up a deal to bring Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez to the Premier League. The move was heavily dependent on offloading Sancho, who has been out of favour at the club since falling out with manager Erik ten Hag. However, despite negotiations with several clubs across Europe and Saudi Arabia, Sancho rejected all offers and insisted on staying at United.
Club insiders revealed that United needed to free up both squad space and wages before completing the Martinez deal. Inter Milan had been open to negotiations, and talks were said to be at an advanced stage, but the agreement hinged on Sancho’s departure. With the winger refusing to leave, the transfer collapsed at the final hour.
The failed signing has caused disappointment among United fans, who were hopeful that the addition of Martinez would solve the club’s long-standing issues in attack. Martinez, known for his finishing, work rate, and experience at the highest level, was considered a perfect fit to partner Rasmus Højlund and bring depth to United’s frontline. His arrival was also expected to add competition for places, something Erik ten Hag has repeatedly called for.
Sancho’s decision not to leave has sparked debate among supporters and pundits. Some argue that the winger has every right to stay and fight for his place, while others believe his refusal has damaged United’s transfer strategy. The 25-year-old has barely featured since being sidelined due to disciplinary issues, and his relationship with Ten Hag remains strained.
Transfer experts noted that United’s financial situation also played a key role. The club has been operating under tight spending restrictions to comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules. Moving Sancho off the wage bill was seen as a critical step toward making room for a high-profile signing like Martinez. Without that clearance, the deal became impossible.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan are understood to be disappointed by the failed transfer. The Serie A champions were open to parting ways with Martinez for the right price, and the player himself was reportedly intrigued by the challenge of playing in England. However, with the deal falling apart at the last moment, Martinez will remain in Italy for at least another season.
For United, the collapse of the move raises fresh questions about the club’s planning and execution in the transfer market. Despite months of speculation and repeated promises of reinforcement, the team ended deadline day without any significant attacking additions. Critics argue that the club’s inability to resolve the Sancho situation earlier left them vulnerable to a last-minute breakdown.
Fans are now left wondering how United will cope in the coming months, especially with a packed fixture schedule in the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups. The lack of a new striker puts more pressure on Højlund, Marcus Rashford, and the midfield to deliver goals consistently.
As for Sancho, his future remains uncertain. Though he has stayed at the club, it is unclear whether Ten Hag will reintegrate him into the squad or continue to freeze him out. The winger’s presence could become a distraction, particularly if results do not improve.
The failed Martinez transfer is the latest episode in United’s turbulent recruitment history, and it has intensified scrutiny on the club’s hierarchy. Supporters are demanding clearer strategy and stronger decision-making to avoid repeated disappointments in future transfer windows.
