Man Utd duo tipped for intriguing transfer exit as Chelsea boss wants more time

Jadon Sancho has been linked with a shock move to Barcelona as he continues to train away from Manchester United’s senior players.

The former Borussia Dortmund star hit back at criticism from Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag after he was left out of the matchday squad for a defeat against Arsenal earlier this month. After claiming he had been made a ‘scapegoat’ at the club, Sancho was ordered to train with United’s youngsters and Ten Hag recently admitted the was unsure when the winger would feature in his side.

Spanish outlet Sport have reported Sancho is being ‘monitored’ by the reigning La Liga champions as his future looks increasingly likely to lie away from Old Trafford.

The 3AM Verdict: It would certainly be a shock move if Barcelona were to complete a deal for Sancho but it could be a huge opportunity for the winger. What can be said is it seems his next appearance will come in the colours of another club as the fallout from his dispute with Erik ten Hag continues.

Man Utd star remains on Bayern’s radar

Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich remain keen on a move for Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay after failing to secure a deal for Fulham star Joao Palhinha.

The Portugal international was believed to be on the brink of a move to Bayern on the final day of the summer transfer window but the deal fell through at the eleventh hour. Despite claims a January deal was still on offer, Palhinha has now penned a new contract at Craven Cottage.

Bayern remain in the market for a midfielder and The Mirror have reported Scotland international McTominay is high on their list as doubt remains over his long-term future at Old Trafford.

The 3AM Verdict: McTominay’s case is a curious one. He seems an essential selection for Scotland, yet has struggled to make a meaningful impact under Erik ten Hag despite his obvious need for a number six. A move to Bayern could offer the midfielder a chance to really prove himself at another of Europe’s top clubs.

Pochettino plea over new signings

Mauricio Pochettino has referenced Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane after calling for supporters to show patience with Chelsea’s new look squad.

The Blues continued their overhaul during the summer months after the likes of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, RB Leipzig striker Christopher Nkunku and Manchester City youngster Cole Palmer all moved to Stamford Bridge.

Results have not quite matched expectations during the first month of the campaign and Pochettino’s side were sat in the lower half of the table ahead of Sunday’s trip to Bournemouth.

However, the former Spurs manager has asked for time as he looks to get the best out of his players over the coming weeks and months.

He told The Evening Standard: “I always use the same example; Real Madrid paid 70 or 80 million for a player named Zinedine Zidane. He was an amazing player but after six months, you can ask the fans at the Bernabeu, and they were saying; ‘Oh, what have we bought?’

“He started to perform after seven or eight months. Zinedine Zidane was 26 or 27. When you buy players who are 20 or 21 you have to be careful. They are not machines. They need to settle with all the circumstances that happened in the last few months. We need to give time.”

The 3AM Verdict: After what has been a remarkable period of transformation at Stamford Bridge, Pochettino is right to suggest his new look squad will need time to settle if they are to realise their potential. However, The Blues are not renowned for showing patience in their bid for success so results may have to come earlier than the former Spurs manager expects.