Manchester United are reportedly interested in a move for Chelsea winger, Christian Pulisic, with the United States international having fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
What’s the word?
According to ESPN, the Red Devils are said to be ‘open’ to bringing the 24-year-old to Old Trafford on a loan deal, with the forward seemingly set to be ‘allowed to leave’ west London in the January transfer window.
The report suggests they are seeking a new attacking addition following the recent departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, with the American’s ability to feature all across the frontline seemingly an attractive prospect for Erik ten Hag’s side.
The 54-cap gem – who is also said to be attracting interest from both Arsenal and Newcastle United – was previously linked with a temporary switch to the Theatre of Dreams over the summer, as well as prior to his £58m move to England in 2019.
Ditch Sancho
As per the report above, new attacking additions are seemingly needed for Ten Hag and co amid what was a seemingly inevitable exit for the aforementioned Ronaldo, although the failings of other members of the forward line have also meant that further recruits are required.
£73m man Jadon Sancho, in particular, has continued to underwhelm in a United shirt since his move from Borussia Dortmund last summer, with the fleet-footed Englishman’s woes having been laid bare by omission from Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad.
The 22-year-old has scored just eight goals and registered only four assists in 52 games for the club in all competitions to date, including a measly tally of just three goals and one assist under the new manager so far this term.
Having arrived amid high expectations after previously lighting up the Bundesliga – with 114 goal involvements to his name in 137 outings for the German side – the former Manchester City ace now appears something of a “flop“, in the words of journalist Jason Soutar, amid his current struggles.
Who would you rather have at Old Trafford?
Pulisic
Sancho
As pundit Gabby Agbonlahor previously stated, the youngster is simply “not performing” at present, having seemingly lacked the confidence to take defenders on and try and beat his man.
The addition of his former Dortmund teammate, Pulisic, could well prove the final nail in the coffin as far as Sancho is concerned, with the Blues “magician” – as described by Al Butler – likely to be a direct rival to slot in on that left-wing berth.
The Hershey-born menace has also endured his struggles so far this term – with just three goals and assists to his name – although that tally has come despite being reduced to just five starts, highlighting that a more consistent run of games could prove fruitful.
The £150k-per-week man – who has 26 goals and 21 assists in 133 games for Chelsea – has been highlighting his undoubted quality for his country in Qatar, teeing up teammate Timothy Weah with a clever assist in the draw with Wales in his side’s opening game, before being awarded the Man of the Match award after starring against England.
Bringing in such a “massive talent” – as described by club legend Gary Neville (ITV Sport, 25/11/2022) – on a loan deal could well prove to be something of a low-risk option as far as Ten Hag is concerned, with Pulisic’s arrival potentially set to nudge the misfiring Sancho out the door.
