According to a report from the Daily Mail, Manchester United is currently deliberating on whether to pursue Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell in the upcoming transfer window. The Red Devils are keen on bolstering their left-back position to provide competition for Luke Shaw, and Chilwell, an England international, has emerged as a viable candidate for them.
However, there is a sense of hesitation among some United fans regarding Chilwell potentially joining Old Trafford. This apprehension stems largely from concerns over his injury history, which has been quite extensive over the past four years. Since his high-profile transfer from Leicester City to Chelsea in the summer of 2020 for £50 million, Chilwell has endured a staggering 103 games on the sidelines due to various injuries. His time spent on the treatment table totals to approximately 530 days, during which he has suffered from 11 different injuries, including significant setbacks such as an ACL injury and two serious hamstring tears.
Interestingly, just a year ago, Manchester United had shown interest in another left-back from Chelsea, Marc Cucurella. The pursuit of Cucurella by United, managed at the time by Erik ten Hag, fell through as a potential loan deal collapsed right before the transfer window closed. Now, with Cucurella impressing during the recent European Championships, some fans believe United might reconsider their options and make a renewed attempt to secure his services rather than going after Chilwell.
In terms of Chelsea’s stance, it is reported that they are willing to entertain offers for either Chilwell or Cucurella, indicating a potential openness to offloading one of their left-back options. This development comes as Chelsea looks to strengthen their squad with the impending signing of Renato Veiga from FC Basel, positioning him as a possible replacement in their defensive lineup.
The deliberations at Manchester United reflect a strategic approach to addressing their squad needs ahead of the new season. While Chilwell offers significant experience and international pedigree, concerns over his injury susceptibility have prompted divided opinions among supporters. The club’s decision-makers will need to weigh these factors carefully as they navigate the complex landscape of the summer transfer market.