£63 million Premier League star was 'on the verge' of joining Man Utd this summer

During the summer transfer window, Manchester United enjoyed some fruitful business, which involved the signings of marquee players Rasmus Højlund, Mason Mount, and André Onana. The Reds also brought in some fringe players to pack out their squad, including the loan move for Sergio Reguilón from Tottenham Hotspur.

However, the Spanish international was apparently not the club's first choice when identifying new left-back options. According to Football Insider, United were 'on the verge' of signing Marc Cucurella from Chelsea during the summer months and the two sides were 'very close' to agreeing a season-long loan deal.

The Blues, who endured a hugely disappointing 2022/23 season, were open to letting the 24-year-old leave after falling down the pecking order under Mauricio Pochettino. However, talks with United fell through at the very last hurdle and the Reds were forced to turn their attention elsewhere, which resulted in the signing of Reguilón instead.

Cucurella's future was up in the air at first, having not played a single minute of Premier League football this season until October. However, he has since impressed Spurs' new manager and stepped up in the absence of the injured Ben Chilwell. Cucurella has started all but one league match since Fulham and has established himself as a regular started under Pochettino.

The versatile full-back joined Stamford Bridge last year in a £63 million move from Brighton. He was part of a mammoth Chelsea spending spree, joining the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk, Enzo Fernández and Raheem Sterling over the threshold.

United may have missed out on an apparent priority target but fortunately, the signing of Reguilón has been beneficial for the Reds this season. They have suffered injury blows to both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, the only other senior, natural left-backs on Erik ten Hag's roster in what is already a very competitive season.