Manchester United and Chelsea open talks after Red Devils submit proposal for Marc Cucurella

Cucurella has yet to make an appearance under new boss Mauricio Pochettino this season despite making over 30 appearances in 2022-23 under multiple managers at Stamford Bridge.

By Andrew Thompson

August 29, 2023 at 5:17 pm GMT+1

Hopeful Premier League title contender Manchester United has turned to a domestic rival to potentially source a solution for questions at left-back after the Red Devils submitted their proposal for Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella.

Injury to star defender Luke Shaw, who is reportedly set to remain on the sideline for at least six weeks in the wake of picking up a hamstring problem, has left boss Erik ten Hag without a single natural left-back to be deployed as Tyrell Malacia also remains sidelined.

With United set to clash with rivals Arsenal at the weekend, the club has sprung into action in the hopes of securing a move for Cucurella before the conclusion of the transfer window according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

🚨 Man Utd have submitted proposal to sign Marc Cucurella from Chelsea. #CFC responded, talks ongoing. Offer is initial loan + clubs discussing various parameters around that. #MUFC like 25yo for Ten Hag system; top candidate as things stand @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/QSoDdaayOC
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 29, 2023

Talks are now said to be ongoing between United and Chelsea for the Spanish full-back, with the initial offer coming in as a loan but further details surrounding the proposal yet to be reported.

United are said to think the former Brighton standout is viewed as a strong option for Ten Hag’s system and is considered to be the top candidate this close to deadline day.

Cucurella has yet to make an appearance under new boss Mauricio Pochettino this season despite making over 30 appearances in 2022-23 under multiple managers at Stamford Bridge.

With Ben Chilwell still viewed as first-choice at the club, and Dutch youngster Ian Maatsen being retained by Pochettino after his excellent loan spell with Burnley last season, coupled with no European football this season, minutes are sure to be limited for Cucurella in the capital as things stand, and at the very least, six weeks of first-choice minutes at United could put him into a position to fight for his place at a club with Champions League football on the horizon.