Manchester United have reached an agreement in principle with Chelsea left back Marc Cucurella over personal terms on a loan deal.
It was reported that Manchester United would pay a small loan fee and cover Cucurella’s wages.
The Red Devils had on their wanted list the likes of Sergio Reguilon, Marcos Alonso, Ryan Bertrand, and Luke Thomas.
However, the Red Devils identified Cucurella as their priority target.
The Spanish left back has fallen out of favor since joining Chelsea from Brighton for £55 million. Cucurella is yet to play a single match for the London side in the 2023/24 season.
Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag is pushing for a left back before the closure of the transfer window on September 1, 2023.
This came after Luke Shaw’s muscle injury, which will push him out until December, coupled with second choice left back, Tyrell Malacia, not being fit and Brandon Williams joining Ipswich Town on loan.
In the match between Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, which ended in a 3-2 win at Old Trafford, Erik Ten Hag deployed Diogo Dalot to the left back.
Erik Ten Hag had been a longtime admirer of Cucurella ever since the defender played against his former club, Ajax, on February 20, 2020, in the Europa League.
Last season, Cucurella managed 24 appearances for Chelsea in the Premier League, and he played 34 games in all competitions for the London club.
Marc Cucurella Stats
The Spanish defender made 258 appearances, scoring nine goals and created 22 assists in all club competitions.
He has received 54 yellow cards and no red cards so far in his career.
Out of the nine goals scored, four were for Getafe, two for Barcelona, one for Brighton, and two for SD Eibar.
Cucurella made six senior appearances for the Spain national team without scoring a single goal.
Marc Cucurella’s Achievements
The Spanish defender won the Spanish Super Cup with Barcelona in the 2017/18 season.
Marc Cucurella’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Marc Cucurella’s strengths
The former Brighton left back has good passing ability and progresses exceptionally well on the left flank of the pitch.
Marc Cucurella has good dribbling skills that enable him to hold on to the ball for a long time and is capable of dribbling into dangerous areas.
In addition, his tackling ability is top-notch, coupled with quick feet and a sharp burst of pace. Marc Cucurella also excels on the defensive side of the match.
Marc Cucurella’s Weaknesses
He lacks concentration most of the time while he is on the pitch. He has cost Chelsea a lot of matches this season.
However, Manchester United are expecting the Marc Cucurella they saw in Brighton, who was rated among the best left backs in the Premier League.