Ten Hag has problems in that area of the pitch (Picture: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign Ben Chilwell after the Chelsea star was spectacularly binned by Blues boss Enzo Maresca, according to reports.
Chilwell, 27, was left out of the squad for Chelsea’s opening game of the season against Manchester City on Sunday with Maresca revealing last week he had urged the England international to find a new club.
The Chelsea head coach doubled down on those comments on Wednesday, explaining Chilwell will ‘struggle’ this season with neither him or Raheem Sterling part of his plans going forward.
United meanwhile have considered bringing in another left-back with their current options in that position once again unavailable. Tyrell Malacia, who has not played since May 2023, is still recovering from a long-term knee problem with Luke Shaw once again sidelined with a calf injury.
Diogo Dalot deputised at left-back against Fulham on Friday with new signing Noussair Mazraoui starting on the right.
With concerns over Shaw’s ability to stay fit this season, talkSPORT report Chilwell has been offered to United.
Chilwell joined Chelsea on a five-year deal in a £45million move from Leicester City in 2020 but has also struggled with his share of injury problems.
Chilwell likely to leave Chelsea this month (Picture: 2024 CameraSport)
The former Foxes star made just 21 appearances in all competitions last season – 13 of those starts – as he struggled with hamstring and knee issues, limited to just 15 Premier League starts during the 2022-23 season.
Chilwell also missed a huge portion of the 2021-22 season – his second as a Chelsea player – with a cruciate ligament tear.
Chelsea boss Maresca has made it clear under no uncertain terms Chilwell is not in his plans.
‘With Chilly, he is a lovely guy but he will struggle. If you define this as brutal, it’s up to you to decide. For me, it’s not brutal, it’s just honest.
Sterling also told he is not wanted at Chelsea (Picture: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
‘I’m not saying Raheem is not a good player but I prefer different kinds of wingers and this is the reason why.
‘It’s not a comfortable situation. I know exactly the feeling but it’s good to know that if you stay you are going to struggle to get minutes.’
United meanwhile are hoping to make at least one more signing before the summer transfer window closes but are currently focusing on bringing in another midfielder with Manuel Ugarte their top target.
Erik ten Hag’s side did bring in an emergency left-back option when they found themselves in similar circumstances last season with Sergio Reguilon joining on a six-month loan deal.
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