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Manchester United’s problems at left-back have continued since last season with both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia still sidelined with injury.
In the previous campaign, the England international missed over 30 games while the Dutch full-back was ruled out for the whole season.
Erik ten Hag was forced to play defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and centre-back Victor Lindelof in that position due to the unavailability of resources.
And instead of strengthening in that key area during the summer, the new co-owners decided to focus on central defence while also bringing in yet another right-back.
LB shortage remains
That has resulted in the manager playing Diogo Dalot on the left with new recruit Noussair Mazraoui playing at right-back. But after the concerning health update regarding the Moroccan, Ten Hag might regret not strengthening at left-back in the summer.
Jonny Evans and Lindelof remain emergency options while plenty of reports are stating that the Red Devils could exercise their buyback clause to bring back Alvaro Fernandez, who is shining at Benfica.
Another option for January is Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell, who currently finds himself on the fringes of the Chelsea squad. He was eyed in the summer but in the end, no move was made.
Caughtoffside have suggested that the 20-time English league champions have the England international on the top of their wishlist with a deal with the Blues comparatively easier to pull off as Chilwell does not feature in Enzo Maresca’s plans for the season.
“Manchester United are making Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell their top transfer target as they explore the market for new signings in that area of their squad, CaughtOffside understands.”
However, The Sun have suggested that Napoli, currently being managed by former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, are planning a January swoop for the former Leicester City man.
Conte is a fan and after securing Billy Gilmour and United academy graduate Scott McTominay, another Premier League player could be off to Naples.
Chilwell race on
“BEN CHILWELL could be the latest Premier League star to join the exodus to Napoli. SunSport can reveal the Italian giants – who have already signed Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour – are tracking the Chelsea full-back.
“He’s expected to leave Stamford Bridge in January and Napoli boss Antonio Conte is believed to be a huge fan of the England defender. Chilwell could move on loan with an option to sign a long-term deal at the end of the season.”
However, lots of English clubs are looking at the full-back including Fulham, Palace and Ipswich and it could be an interesting race for the 27-year-old’s services.
United can certainly do a lot better than him but with a tight budget to contend with, unless major sales are conducted, a loan move would not be the worst of options.
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