Manchester United transfer target Marc Cucurella was a surprise starter for Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.
One of the repercussions for Chelsea’s awful season in 2022/23 was to start in the Carabao Cup second round, rather than the third like all the big teams.
Last night they were in action against Wimbledon, and the surprise call was Mauricio Pochettino deciding to start Manchester United transfer target Marc Cucurella, with seven changes made.
Cucurella is subject of loan interest from Manchester United, amid injuries. Marca report a deal is ‘very close’.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loans, releases, youth for 2023/24
Marc Cucurella in action for Chelsea
Marc Cucurella had not played a single minute for Chelsea so far this season. He got 90 minutes last night.
The Spaniard was determined to impress – with Manchester United potentially watching on.
Chelsea won the game 2-1, and FotMob’s score app graded Cucurella as the third best player on the pitch with 8.1/10.
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Cucurella created four goalscoring chances – more than any player on the pitch.
He did so while completed 72 of 76 pass attempts, 95 per cent accuracy. From a defensive point of view, he won four duels of five contested.
Manchester United deal still expected
Manchester United are still expected to strike a deal for Cucurella. Fabrizio Romano reports he is the club’s top choice left-back, with negotiations ongoing with Chelsea over a loan fee.
Cururella is said to have agreed personal terms, Romano reports, but Chelsea were in no mood to rush him out to door yesterday.
Julien Laurens told ESPN FC that Manchester United aim to have Cucurella in the squad to face Arsenal this weekend.
With that in mind, it is good to see Cucurella get 90 minutes under his belt, and look reasonably sharp too.
However, if a deal for Cucurella is confirmed – this appearance means he will be cup-tied for Manchester United, who have now learned opponents for the third round.
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