- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Ben Chilwell has been offered to Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United having been told he is not part of Chelsea’s future under Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea were beaten by Manchester City on their opening day of the new Premier League season, with the game marred by off-field issues and the club’s summer transfers.
Raheem Sterling released a statement asking for ‘clarity’ over his Chelsea omission minutes before kick-off, with Chilwell already left out of the matchday squad and Spain’s Euro 2024 winner Cucurella playing at left-back.
It was a far simpler start for Manchester United at Old Trafford on Friday night because they kicked off the Premier League season by seeing off Fulham 1-0.
Ben Chilwell is not part of Enzo Maresca’s plans
Sources have confirmed to HITC that Chilwell was informed during pre-season that he was unlikely to figure as part of Maresca’s plans.
Mauricio Pochettino’s sudden exit from Chelsea, after the conclusion of last season, was the start of the end for the left-back because he was vice-captain under his stewardship, but now his services are no longer required.
Chilwell’s representatives have been working on options and there has been interest from Italy and Spain, but his sizeable wages mean only a loan deal is likely.
Maresca spoke about Chilwell’s situation in his press conference on Wednesday (Sky Sports): “At this moment, they (Chilwell and Raheem Sterling) are training apart (from the first team). As I said the other day, the situation with both of them is quite clear. There isn’t any update on the situation.
“Until they are Chelsea players, they are going to be Chelsea players. But we have a big squad. For me, it’s impossible to give all of them minutes. Some of them are looking for minutes. Probably it’s better to leave. In case they don’t leave, they are Chelsea players and they have a contract.”
Ben Chilwell & Luke Shaw
HITC can now confirm that Manchester United – who are in the market for left-sided cover – have been offered Chilwell and they have a ‘significant interest’ in taking the England international.
Last season, Manchester United signed Sergio Reguilon from Tottenham – so it is an avenue they have gone down before.
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Ten Hag’s main starting left-back is Chilwell’s fellow countryman Luke Shaw, but he has had his own injury issues during his time at the club.
Shaw hasn’t played for Manchester United since February, but he was part of England’s Euro 2024 squad this summer, before getting injured again.
HITC is told that Chilwell would ‘relish the chance’ to move to Old Trafford this season, with Manchester United winning the FA Cup last season and now set to compete in the Europa League.
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