01 September 2023 , 10:09
1303
0
Mauricio Pochettino's decision to play Marc Cucurella in Chelsea's Carabao Cup tie against Wimbledon helped derail the Spaniard's chances of moving to Manchester United.
It had been reported earlier in the week that United were pushing to sign Cucurella on loan until the end of the season following Luke Shaw's latest injury setback. The 25-year-old has fallen down the pecking order in west London, with Ben Chilwell starting Chelsea's first three Premier League matches.
However, United's proposed move for Cucurella all-but collapsed on Wednesday after the ex-Brighton left-back featured for the Blues in their 2-1 win over Wimbledon. Cucurella hadn't played in any of Chelsea's first three games but started against The Dons at Stamford Bridge.
With that decision, the Blues cup-tied the Spain international, meaning he would not be available for United's Third Round tie at home to Crystal Palace and potentially further matches in the competition.
Also, if United had wanted the option of sending Cucurella back to Chelsea in January, he would no longer have been eligible to leave again to appear for a third club this season. Shaw is expected to be out for around 10 weeks with a muscle problem and could be back fit in November.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
United have instead opted to sign Sergio Reguilon from Tottenham. According to the Daily Mail, a crucial factor in the deal is that Spurs demanded no loan fee. That was a significant factor in the Red Devils' decision to abandon a move for Cucurella as it will free up money to bring in Sofyan Amrabat.
Chelsea were understood to be holding out for a £7million loan fee and that is something which put United off as they moved on to other targets, with Reguilon now set to become United's latest acquisition. The ex-Sevilla man has not played a single minute under Ange Postecoglou this term.
Man Utd have moved to sign Sergio Reguilon on loan instead (Tottenham Hotspur FC)As well as getting a deal done for Reguilon, the Red Devils are working hard to secure a move for Amrabat. A private jet has been booked from Florence to arrive at Manchester Airport on Friday afternoon amid United's interest in the Morocco international.
The plane is set to touch down at Manchester Airport at 12.52pm and United have not denied the possibility they have arranged the private jet, according to Manchester Evening News. Amrabat is Erik ten Hag's preferred midfield target before Friday's 11pm deadline and a season-long loan move has been mooted.
United have already spent over £150m in the summer transfer window. Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund signed earlier in the window for big-money fees, while Altay Bayindir's arrival was confirmed at 9am on deadline day. As for outgoings, Dean Henderson's £20m move to Crystal Palace was announced on Thursday as he followed the likes of Alex Telles, Anthony Elanga and Fred out of Old Trafford.