Manchester United backed out of a move to sign Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella before the transfer deadline.
Marc Cucurella was the leading name to fill Manchester United’s left-back spot, heading into the final week of the transfer window. Marca had reported Cucurella was keen on a move.
But the deal broke down for two reasons. Chelsea wanted a £7 million loan fee, Sky Sports reported. And then their decision to play Cucurella in the Carabao Cup was a further complication.
United eventually signed Sergio Reguilon from Tottenham, with no loan fee attached as part of that agreement.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loans, releases, youth for 2023/24
Cucurella did not meet Chelsea expectations
Marc Cucurella became the most expensive left-back in world football when he signed for Chelsea a year ago, in a deal in excess of £60 million
But the move was a major flop, with Cucurella failing to meet expectations, despite them bringing in his former Brighton boss Graham Potter.
The hopes were high for the defender. After an early season performance against Tottenham, Chelsea pundit Pat Nevin told their Youtube channel: “Cucurella, I won’t be surprised if he’s our player of the year. He is a spectacular footballer.”
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Unfortunately for Cucurella, he did not get anywhere near Chelsea’s player of the year shortlist.
Instead his time at the club was a spectacular flop, with the very fact Chelsea were willing to send him out on loan this summer for a small fee, speaking volumes to how the Spaniard has failed to deliver.
Mount link-up was highly touted
Another aspect of Cucurella’s performance which was noted, and had some intrigue, was the way he linked up with Mason Mount.
Nevin said: “Just like Reece [James] and Ruben [Loftus-Cheek] on one side, his working alongside Mason [Mount] was phenomenal today.”
It was not a partnership which ended up being very successful for Chelsea, and Mount’s late season injuries and Cucurella’s poor form saw them barely play together in the latter half of the season.
Mount’s presence may have been an assistance to Cucurella had he joined, but there was little tangible evidence to suggest United fans should be disappointed about not seeing this pairing in action.
A move for Reguilon might work, it might not. But it’s the path United have chosen. There is nothing to say spending £7 million on a loan fee for Cucurella would have been worth the extra expense.