Ben Chilwell has unexpectedly become a target for Manchester United amid questions about his future at Chelsea, recent reports indicate.

Chilwell, who was acquired by Chelsea for £50 million from Leicester in 2020, had a tough season last year, featuring in only 21 matches under Mauricio Pochettino due to ongoing injuries. In contrast, Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella excelled as a key player in Spain’s Euro 2024-winning squad.

With Enzo Maresca taking over as Chelsea’s new manager, there are increasing concerns about Chilwell’s role within the team. Maresca, who replaced Pochettino and previously managed Leicester, is known for using inverted full-backs who move into midfield. While Reece James and Malo Gusto have adapted to this role during pre-season, there are questions about whether Chilwell can fit into this system.

When asked about Chilwell’s future, Maresca acknowledged the situation’s complexity, saying, “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 in question. Reports suggest that Manchester United is considering 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 has struggled with a hamstring issue, and Tyrell Malacia, who missed the entire season with a knee injury.