Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea attacker Christian Pulisic during the January transfer window.
The USA international, 24, has enjoyed a solid World Cup tournament so far in Qatar. He registered an assist against Wales and picked up the Man of the match award in the 0-0 draw with England last week. With the player entering the final 18 months of his contract at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are contemplating whether to cash him in January rather than keep him until the end of the season.
According to The Daily Mail, Manchester United are in a three-way race along with Newcastle United and Arsenal monitoring the situation of Christian Pulisic at Chelsea.
Pulisic moved to Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund in 2019 for £58million but has failed to establish himself in the first team, with none of Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel, or Graham Potter fancying the attacker. The American has 47 goal contributions in 133 appearances for the Blues but the player has grown frustrated with his bit-part role under Graham Potter at Chelsea, the report adds.
Christian Pulisic to Man United—Should they go for him?
Manchester United made an attempt to sign Christian Pulisic in the past summer transfer window but they eventually decided to invest a huge outlay for Ajax winger Antony, who joined in an £85m deal. However, Cristiano Ronaldo’s bitter exit from Old Trafford has left Erik ten Hag short in attack with Anthony Martial the only centre-forward available at his disposal.
Erik ten Hag is in the process of re-shaping his Man United squad to his liking and Pulisic’s performances at the World Cup has caught the Dutch tactician’s attention. Pulisic particularly caught the eye in the USA’s goalless draw with England, where he picked up the Man of the match award and came closest to breaking the deadlock when he hit the crossbar with his weaker foot in the first-half.
The American, despite showing glimpses of quality, his form has been inconsistent and injuries have hampered his career at Chelsea. Although his form with the Blues has been patchy, Pulisic has had a great start to the World Cup and could help Man United hugely if a move goes through.
Marcus Rashford has been fantastic for Ten Hag’s side this season, but Jadon Sancho has struggled with poor form and fitness problems. Anthony Martial, too, has missed much of the season through injury, and with Antony still finding his feet in the Premier League, a move for Pulisic makes sense from United’s viewpoint.
Pulisic can operate anywhere across the front-line or in the hole as a No.10, and that kind of versatility should hugely benefit Ten Hag’s side. The ex-Dortmund star is quick, creative and energetic with fine finishing skills in front of goal. He would undoubtedly bolster the Red Devils’ attacking ranks while adding competition within the squad.
Whether Chelsea would allow Pulisic to join a direct rival remains to be seen but Man United must continue monitoring his performances over the World Cup before making a move in January.
