Manchester United could solve one of Ruben Amorim's main problems by restarting transfer talks with Chelsea over Ben Chilwell.
The new United boss has not enjoyed the immediate upturn in form he had hoped for at Old Trafford. Prior to Sunday's (January 5) clash with Liverpool, the Red Devils had lost six of their last eight games in all competitions, leaving them in 14th place in the Premier League.
Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag after his success at Sporting CP, but adapting to his preferred 3-4-3 formation has proven painful. One of the many problem positions is left full-back, where Diogo Dalot is struggling to cope in his new role.
In the summer, United reportedly turned down the chance to sign England international Chilwell, who quickly discovered he was not part of new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca's plans. However, the importance of full-backs within the Amorim squad means that Chilwell joining United could be the ideal solution for all parties involved.
In August, it was reported that United and Chelsea were in talks for a number of their respective players, with Jadon Sancho eventually loaned out to Stamford Bridge. Despite Chilwell no longer being a key player for Chelsea, United opted to sign him and stick with their existing options in Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, with Dalot also able to fill in on the left.
Chilwell is behind Marc Cucurella, Malo Gusto and Renato Veiga in the pecking order and is one of five players Chelsea want to let go this month, meaning a cheap deal could be possible for United. It was a drastic turn for the 28-year-old, who joined the Blues for £50 million in 2020 and still has a two-and-a-half-year contract.
As an attacking full-back, Chilwell has experience as a full-back and would fit much better into Amorim's system, which would also allow Shaw to play as a left-sided centre-back. Amorim was coy about United's potential transfer activities this month, but did not rule out new signings earlier this week.
“If the window is open, we can try to do something and we will try to do something,” Amorim said. “But I think in the coming weeks we will have more time to train and we can improve, that's the only way.”
Amorim's admission came just a few days after he attempted to temper expectations in the January window. However, there is no doubt about Chilwell's future at Chelsea after Maresca spoke in no uncertain terms about the full-back last summer.
“With Chilly I said he's a nice guy but he's going to have a hard time because of his position. He's going to have a hard time,” he said. “If you define this as cruel, it's up to you to decide. To me, it's not brutal, it's just fair.”
Chilwell's only appearance for Chelsea so far this season came as a half-time substitute against Barrow in the Carabao Cup.
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