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Manchester United have been urged not to sign Ben Chilwell after the England International was offered to Erik ten Hag by Chelsea.
That message comes from Danny Murphy who argues that the left-back’s injury problems are a huge red flag.
Chilwell has found himself in Chelsea’s ‘bomb-squad’, one of over a dozen players Enzo Maresca has exiled from training and told to leave the club.
But with just a few days of the transfer window remaining, the defender seems no closer to leaving Stamford Bridge, with United the only team linked.
The Red Devils are in need of reinforcements at left-back with Luke Shaw ruled out until next month with a calf injury, while Tyrell Malacia missed all of last season with a knee problem and is not expected back until October at the earliest.
The prolonged absences of the pair have been a massive problem for Ten Hag, and while the arrival of Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich has eased the blow, it is not the right-back’s natural position.
A move for Chilwell, even on loan, could remedy the situation, but Murphy believes United should and will steer clear of the 27-year-old.
‘It’s a no for me. I like Ben Chilwell, I think he’s a good player,’ the former Liverpool star said on talkSPORT.
‘But you’re bringing in the same problem, a really talented left-back which they’ve already got in Luke Shaw, arguably one of the best in Europe when he’s fit, who doesn’t stay fit.
‘Chilwell’s never fit. Why would you go and spend a load more wages on another left back who rarely plays?
‘They’ve got Malacia who’s coming back from an injury. Mazraoui can play there, he’s versatile.
‘I don’t think they’ll bring him in, I’d be amazed if they do that.’
Since signing for Chelsea in 2020 for £42million, Chilwell has picked up 11 separate injuries, causing him to miss a staggering 107 games for club and country.
Another Chelsea player linked with Old Trafford is Raheem Sterling who could be part of a stunning swap deal with Jadon Sancho and Murphy thinks it would be a good move for United, but doubts the transfer will happen.
‘Sterling isn’t a risk. If you give him minutes, he’ll deliver for you. He’s done it time and time again,’ he added.
‘He is better than Antony, he’s better than Amad [Diallo] and more experienced. Sterling scored more than all of United’s wingers last season apart from [Alejandro] Garnacho.
‘His end product isn’t in question. His numbers over the years are just evidence of what he does. [But] my gut feeling is it won’t happen.’
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