Manchester United might be encouraged by Christian Pulisic’s previous comments about the club as they weigh up a move for the Chelsea forward in the January transfer window.
United are in the market for new attackers after releasing Cristiano Ronaldo from his contract. Ronaldo is now a free agent after the explosive quotes made in an unsanctioned interview with Piers Morgan forced United to act.
Fresh reports suggest that United are keeping an eye on Pulisic, who is currently away at the World Cup playing for the United States. Erik ten Hag’s side are reportedly considering a loan move for the versatile forward, who is a major star for his country but far less important to Chelsea.
Pulisic joined the Blues in a £58million move from Borussia Dortmund in January 2019 but has never held down a place in the team. The 24-year-old has 26 goals and 21 assists in 133 matches for Chelsea, yet hasn’t really fulfilled his potential in west London.
United are reportedly undeterred by his status in the Chelsea squad and could push to sign him when the mid-season transfer window opens on January 1. The club’s chiefs may therefore be happy to know that Pulisic has a soft spot for United.
"I was a big Manchester United fan when I was younger," he told ESPN in 2017. "I loved to watch [Wayne] Rooney. I wouldn't say I'm a similar player, though.
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"I think his passion for the game is something you don't see much in players. That's what I loved about him."
Pulisic is currently enjoying star billing while playing for the USA at the World Cup. But at Chelsea he has a very different experience, with just three Premier League starts so far this season.
He might well be keen on a move to Old Trafford, given his struggles at Chelsea and his love for United. Pulisic’s current contract is up in June 2023 and the Blues have a wealth of options in his position, with Graham Potter preferring to play Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount and Kai Havertz.
United are in need of a goalscorer in the January transfer window after Ronaldo’s departure left them with just Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial on the books as strikers.
They have previously been linked with PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo, who is currently showing his talents while playing for the Netherlands in Qatar. But the January transfer window is notorious for being a difficult time to recruit players, and United may be tempted to wait until the summer to continue rebuilding their squad under Ten Hag.
