“Now that we have gotten Manual Ugarte, we are now going for a player that’s going to help Marcus Rashford improve tremendously. He’s going to help Rashford score by giving him more goal-creating passes.” – This is according to Dan Ashworth as he claims that following Ugarte, Manchester United are in negotiations for a £200k-per-week star who could help get Rashford back to his best.

It might be a new Premier League season, but Manchester United looked all too familiar over the weekend, with Erik ten Hag’s team failing to overcome last year’s issues after conceding a last-minute goal at the Amex.

 

Joao Pedro’s 95th-minute winner, scored while unmarked, marked the third consecutive season in which United have suffered an early defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion, with a crucial match against bitter rivals Liverpool looming next in the league.

 

While Brighton may simply be a tough opponent for Ten Hag, Saturday’s 2-1 defeat has raised concerns that the 2024/25 season could mirror the previous one for the Red Devils, with Marcus Rashford’s ongoing struggles being a significant worry.

The England international, who managed just eight goals across all competitions last season, was substituted at the hour mark after an uninspiring performance on the south coast. Pundit Alan Shearer pointed out that the 26-year-old is “not a youngster anymore” and needs to step up his game.

 

Much more is expected from the £300k-per-week forward, though it seems he may simply need better support behind him to regain his form…

 

Man Utd’s search for a left-back

Currently, much of the focus is on Manchester United’s pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte. The transfer appears nearly complete, with the 23-year-old reportedly on his way to England for a medical.

 

While further signings after Ugarte might seem unlikely, journalist Graeme Bailey has reported that United have held discussions with Chelsea regarding the potential signing of Ben Chilwell. The English left-back is among several players who have been sidelined from Enzo Maresca’s first-team squad.

The England international, who managed only eight goals across all competitions last season, was substituted after an underwhelming performance an hour into the match on the south coast. Pundit Alan Shearer emphasized that the 26-year-old is “not a youngster anymore” and needs to step up his game.

 

Greater expectations surround the £300k-per-week forward, but it seems he may simply require better support to regain his form…

 

Man Utd’s search for a left-back

Currently, much of the focus is on Manchester United’s pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte. A deal for the Uruguayan appears nearly complete, with the 23-year-old reportedly on his way to England for a medical.

 

Although additional transfers might seem unexpected after securing Ugarte, journalist Graeme Bailey has reported that United have engaged in talks with Chelsea about signing Ben Chilwell. The English left-back is among several players who have been excluded from Enzo Maresca’s first-team squad.

Interest in the £200k-per-week full-back has emerged as Chelsea reportedly pursue Manchester United’s own “outcast,” Jadon Sancho, sparking speculation about a potential swap deal involving the two English players.

 

**Why Ben Chilwell would be a good signing**

While Rashford must shoulder some responsibility for his recent struggles, the absence of a recognized left-back has certainly not helped his form. Luke Shaw managed just 15 appearances last season, and Tyrell Malacia has not played since May 2023.

 

With both Shaw and Malacia currently injured and 17-year-old Harry Amass lacking experience, Ten Hag has had to deploy Diogo Dalot and Lisandro Martinez in the left-back position, even though they are more naturally suited to right-back and center-back roles, respectively.

 

As Carl Anka from The Athletic noted earlier this year, “Rashford needs an overlapping full-back” to perform at his best. Bringing in someone like Chilwell, even on a short-term basis, could provide that necessary attacking support. Despite his own injury issues, Chilwell is known for his “great engine” and eagerness to push forward, as Tony Cottee highlighted, making him the kind of overlapping presence Rashford needs.

This is further supported by the fact that the 27-year-old ranks in the top 10% among his peers in Europe’s top five leagues for touches in the attacking penalty area and is in the top 9% for progressive passes received.

 

The former £50m player also excels at advancing the play, ranking in the top 14% for progressive carries, showcasing his eagerness to join the attack and support the forward in front of him.

Notably, Chilwell has the end product to back up his forward play, having contributed 21 goals and assists in 106 appearances for the West London club. This is comparable to Luke Shaw’s 32 goal involvements, but from 275 matches.

 

It’s likely not a coincidence that Rashford’s most prolific season—scoring 30 goals in 2022/23—occurred when Shaw made his joint-highest number of appearances for the club in a single season (47), highlighting how much the forward benefits from having a consistent left-back supporting him.