The Chelsea and Manchester United supporting punters here in the Transfer Tavern are a friendly old bunch, and can be regularly found exchanging thoughts on their respective clubs over a pint of the landlord’s best ale.
The Chelsea fans have claimed bragging rights over silverware during the last couple of years, although this year may see United claim some back, as they currently harbour a higher position in the Premier League table.
With former Blues boss Jose Mourinho in prime position to take over at Manchester United from the summer, talk has turned to players who he may move on, to make room for his own recruits at Old Trafford.
Here our writer Lee Clarke takes a look at FIVE United players who Chelsea should look to steal from their rivals should their availability arise…….
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE PLAYERS!
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Memphis Depay
The young Dutchman has endured a torrid time of things at Manchester United, and a fresh start would only be a positive move for the player.
The 21-year-old was signed for £25 million in the summer and has been arguably United’s worst player this season, as he has struggled to adapt to life in the English Premier League.
After a superb scoring record in the Dutch league big things were expected of the youngster and you do sense that there is a good player in there somewhere.
With Manchester United likely to have Jose Mourinho on the touchline next season, Depay could be found tossed aside as the ex-Chelsea man makes way for his own signings.
Could Chelsea take a punt on the winger?
Juan Mata
Rumours in the Tavern have suggested that should Mourinho be given the managerial position at Old Trafford, Mata will be the first to depart the club.
It was the Portuguese manager who sold the little Spaniard to United for £37 million when he was the Blues’ boss and he looks set to flog him once again.
Chelsea as a team didn’t really want to lose Mata, but Mourinho had other ideas, when in hindsight he never really disappointed anyone whenever he played for the club.
It would be a reasonably controversial move for Chelsea to try and nab him from United but they could certainly do a lot worse.
Ander Herrera
The 26-year-old was tipped as a star in the making when he signed for United in 2014 but boss van Gaal hasn’t seemed to fancy him for his starting line-up this season.
He has made just 14 appearances during the current campaign and has spent the majority of his time on the substitute’s bench.
Herrera is at the age where he needs to be able to play football to fulfil his undoubted potentialm and with Chelsea’s midfield trio ageing, it could be a logical acquisition for the Blues.
In three years with Athletic Bilbao, Herrera captured Basque hearts with seven goals in 94 appearances, as he built a reputation as one of Europe’s top talents.
Adnan Januzaj
I am yet to remain convinced that the Belgian will go on to have any real future at Manchester United and a departure could be on the cards.
Having failed to impress during a loan spell with Borussia Dortmund, Januzaj returned to Old Trafford in January but has struggled to regain match fitness.
At just 21-years-old the former Anderlecht youngster does have time on his side and you sense he just needs some love – and regular football – from a particular club.
If Chelsea lost Eden Hazard in the summer they could find themselves short out wide and Januzaj could be a feasible option for them to pursue.
Daley Blind
Dutch international Blind is a versatile performer in the Manchester United team but you have to wonder where he will be utilised under the leadership of Jose Mourinho.
It would be no surprise whatsoever if the incoming boss – should the deal go through – opted to cash in on Blind and make way for some recruits of his own.
The 25-year-old would play week in, week out, for any of the other 19 Premier League clubs, and with Chelsea looking to get back towards the top of the league next season, his availability should be monitored closely.
