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Who is the Chelsea loanee Man United should target in January?

| 26.10.2016

With everyone from Vitesse Arnhem to your local five-a-side team having at least one Chelsea loanee on their books, it’s fair to say the Blues sometimes go for quantity over quality. But Belgian winger Charly Musonda Jr. is a real exception to that rule.

Lightning-fast and terrific on the ball, the 20-year-old winger is a real fan favourite at Real Betis and well-known for his cheeky step-overs. But there’s an impressive end product to fit with his flash footwork, as his inch-perfect cross for Joaquin’s winner against Malaga last month.

Musonda’s impressive record for Chelsea’s youth sides also shows he’s far from a one-season wonder, as he chalked up a goal and three assists in an impressive four-game run for the Blues’ Under-23 side in 2015-16, following an excellent campaign in the Under-21s.

However, with the world-class Eden Hazard occupying the left-wing spot at Stamford Bridge right now, there looks little chance of Musonda forcing his way into Antonio Conte’s plans – and that’s good news for Chelsea’s Premier League rivals, and one in particular.

Manchester United have struggled on the left flank this season, with neither Ashley Young nor Memphis Depay impressing, while Jesse Lingard’s inconsistency means he’s not the short-term answer.

Chelsea have made it clear they’re happy to do business with the Red Devils, having sold them Juan Mata for the princely sum of £38m back in 2014.

With Musonda’s market value estimated at £4.25m by Transfermarkt.co.uk, there’s also little chance United would struggle to pay that fee. And with a place in the Premier League’s top four drifting away from them, United need to fix their flaws on the left wing as soon as possible.

Whether or not Jose Mourinho goes back to his old club to pick up this January bargain remains to be seen, but for now his focus will be on tonight’s League Cup clash with Manchester City.

United are 8/5 for victory, with 8/1 for the hosts to record a third 1-0 win of the season.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing

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Author

Dave Burin

Dave graduated with an MA in English Literature at Durham University, and worked in marketing before joining the Ladbrokes News team. A Man United fan and avid groundhopper, he’s also an ardent follower of Rugby League. You can usually find him at a ground near you, clutching a big cup of tea.