Manchester United have reportedly got the greenlight from Chelsea to sign Marc Cucurella on loan, and now have the choice between him and two other options.
While it’s not been totally convincing, United’s season has started well, with two wins from their first three games this season. Injuries could hinder that progress though, with the defence being weakened at the moment.
Specifically the left side of the defence, as Luke Shaw has joined fellow left-back Tyrell Malacia in spending a period on the sidelines after sustaining an injury.
Erik ten Hag wants to ensure his side don’t suffer as a result, and has identified Chelsea defender Cucurella as a somewhat surprising deputy for those men.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has given an update on that situation, and it’s a positive one for United. He states the Blues ‘are open to letting Cucurella leave on loan’.
They’ll allow the Spaniard to make the short-term switch to Old Trafford if they receive a loan fee and United cover his salary.
The ball is in United’s court, and they could easily zero in on Cucurella, but they apparently have ‘three options’ for a new left-back, so will have to decide between the Chelsea outcast and two other men.
One of those is reportedly Sergio Reguilon, given he’s a specialist left-back who is seemingly on the market, after Tottenham loaned him out last season and are yet to play him in this campaign.
Moves for either men might come as a bit of a shock. Neither has played this term, and Cucurella missed the back end of last season through injury, and never truly nailed down a spot at Chelsea thanks to the presence of Ben Chilwell.
But given United will only need the left-back until one of Shaw and Malacia is back, there’s only going to be a finite number of players they can get. Star players won’t be available on loan, so they’ll have to choose from limited options.
Cucurella performed very well at Brighton before failing to find his feet at Chelsea. But he’s still shown that he’s an impactful player, and would not be massively out of place at United for a short time.
Given there’s not long left of the window, United will have to make a decision soon on whether to take him or one of their other options.