Ben Chilwell has emerged as an unexpected target for Manchester United amid uncertainties surrounding his future at Chelsea, according to recent reports.

Chilwell, who was signed by Chelsea for £50 million from Leicester in 2020, had a challenging season last year, making only 21 appearances under Mauricio Pochettino due to recurring injuries. In contrast, Chelsea teammate Marc Cucurella impressed as a key player in Spain’s Euro 2024-winning squad.

With the arrival of new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, there are growing concerns about Chilwell’s role in the team. Maresca, who replaced Pochettino and previously managed Leicester, is known for employing inverted full-backs who move into midfield. While Reece James and Malo Gusto have adapted to this role during pre-season, there are doubts about Chilwell’s ability to fit into this system.

When questioned about Chilwell’s future, Maresca acknowledged the situation’s complexity, stating, “Chilly is a left-back, for sure. I see him as I’ve always seen him like a left full-back.” He added, “His situation is a bit delicate as we are trying to find a solution for him in terms of position. He probably needs a bit of time to adapt. It’s delicate finding the right position for him.”

Despite Maresca’s supportive comments, Chilwell’s future at Chelsea remains uncertain. Reports suggest that Manchester United is eyeing him as a potential addition to their squad this summer. United manager Erik ten Hag is exploring left-back options due to injuries to Luke Shaw, who struggled with a hamstring issue, and Tyrell Malacia, who missed the entire season with a knee problem.