Goldbridge Reacts to Sancho Loan Cut, Bruno Rumors, and Scholes Criticism

Mark Goldbridge returns with a breaking update on Manchester United, beginning with the ongoing situation surrounding Jadon Sancho. As reported by The Mirror’s Simon Mullock, Chelsea are reportedly considering terminating Sancho’s loan early by paying £5 million, sending him back to Manchester United ahead of schedule. Although a £25 million purchase option was previously linked to Chelsea finishing in the top 12, an additional clause giving them the right to end the loan wasn’t made public. Goldbridge criticizes this hidden clause and emphasizes the financial consequences for United—having to absorb Sancho’s £250,000-a-week wages with only a year remaining on his deal.

He strongly argues against any plans to reintegrate Sancho into the squad, citing what he sees as previous PR moves by the club to make it appear as if Sancho was being rehabilitated internally. Goldbridge insists United should sell the winger—even for as little as £15 million—since no club is likely to match his current salary or offer a long-term solution. While Borussia Dortmund has been floated as a possible destination, and Bayer Leverkusen’s name mentioned, Goldbridge questions the latter connection, especially if Erik ten Hag—who has previously had conflicts with Sancho—were to take over at the German club.

Goldbridge then shifts to recent rumors involving Bruno Fernandes and interest from Saudi Arabia. Despite Manchester United’s public stance that Fernandes is not for sale and manager Rúben Amorim’s comments suggesting Bruno will remain at the club, the player himself has yet to directly confirm his commitment. Goldbridge notes this absence of clarity leaves fans in limbo and says he’d be more at ease if Bruno made a personal statement, though he concedes such declarations aren’t obligatory.

He also responds to recent remarks by United legend Paul Scholes, who claimed the club has essentially abandoned its Premier League campaign to prioritize the Europa League. While Goldbridge admits United’s domestic form has been disappointing, he defends Amorim’s squad management, particularly his decisions around player rotation. With United’s squad depth lacking, he argues it would be irresponsible to overplay key players like Noussair Mazraoui ahead of crucial European fixtures.

Goldbridge goes on to criticize ex-players for expressing what he calls “fantasy football takes” that ignore the physical realities of modern scheduling. While he agrees that United should aim to be competitive across all competitions, he believes the true fault lies in years of poor recruitment and ownership neglect—not current tactical choices.