Unai Emery handed Sancho a rare start at Villa Park, with Ollie Watkins rested and Donyell Malen and Evann Guessand joining the attack. However, while goals from Ian Maatsen and Malen secured Villa's third win in the UEFA Europa League league phase, Sancho failed to make the same impact as his teammates.

The former Borussia Dortmund star lasted 75 minutes before being replaced by John McGinn, leaving former Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov unimpressed with his display.

Speaking on TNT Sports, Petrov said: "A few of those players had the opportunity to show the manager they should be in the starting eleven. I was really impressed with Maatsen, every time he gets a chance, he performs. But I'm not sure I can say the same for Sancho and Guessand. I was a bit disappointed there."

Emery has previously defended decisions to limit Sancho's minutes, suggesting the winger is still building fitness. After an earlier outing, he said: "I am happy because his impact was good, his electricity, his skill. But to play more than now, he's not ready to play 90 minutes. I am happy, and progressively he's getting better and better."

Sancho's performance came just weeks after a difficult cameo against Manchester City, when he was brought on in the first half only to be substituted off again before full time.

Back at Old Trafford, United are reportedly ready to let the 25-year-old leave for free next summer, despite paying £73 million to sign him from Dortmund in 2021. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, United have the option to trigger a one-year extension but are reluctant to continue paying his £200,000-a-week wages if no buyer is found.

Manager Ruben Amorim has previously insisted United would not offload players cheaply. "I know Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox have a number for these players," Amorim said earlier this year. "If that number is not met, they will remain Manchester United players. Other clubs might wait for the last minute, but they could be surprised."

For Sancho, the clock is ticking, and Thursday night's missed opportunity will do little to change his uncertain future.

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