Christian Pulisic admission leads to Manchester United transfer hint amid £59m Chelsea decision

 

Christian Pulisic has admitted that he grew up supporting Manchester United as a child, with a potential move to Old Trafford building momentum. The 23-year-old faces an increasingly uncertain future at Chelsea amid concerns over game time under Thomas Tuchel.

The United States international, who sees his contract with the west Londoners expire in 2024, featured 22 times for the Blues in the Premier League last season, directly contributing towards eight goals. Pulisic played a bit-part role in Chelsea securing Champions League qualification amid steep competition for places in the first-team.

As a result, he's been heavily linked with a move away and United have emerged as a potential suitor. According to the Mirror, Erik ten Hag has identified Pulisic as a candidate for the profile of versatile attacker he would like to bring to Old Trafford.

The report claims that United face competition from Juventus and Atletico Madrid for the winger's signature. However, interest from overseas may not prove to be an issue, with Pulisic being a self-proclaimed Red Devils supporter.

Speaking to ESPN in 2017 while at Borussia Dortmund, Pulisic admitted that he has a lot of admiration for United and, more specifically, club legend Wayne Rooney. As quoted by the Mirror, the Chelsea winger said: "I was a big Manchester United fan when I was younger. I loved to watch Rooney. I wouldn't say I'm a similar player, though. I think his passion for the game is something you don't see much in players. That's what I loved about him."

Pulisic will be keen to secure more game time ahead of the World Cup this winter, where the USA will facde England in the group stages of the competition in Qatar, although an exit could hinge on Chelsea's terms.

The Mirror say that, regardless of whether the £59million-rated forward leaves via a loan or permanent deal, an exit is dependent on who Todd Boehly can sign as a replacement. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Anthony Gordon have both been heavily linked with moves to Stamford Bridge this summer - either of whom could potentially fill Pulisic's shoes.