Former Manchester United Coach Advocates for Chelsea Defender Signing
Rene Meulensteen, a former coach at Manchester United, has publicly recommended that the club consider acquiring Chelsea defender Jorrel Hato. The 19-year-old Dutch international transferred to Chelsea from Ajax last summer in a deal valued at £37 million but has faced challenges in establishing himself as a regular starter.
Hato's Struggles at Chelsea Highlighted
Since his high-profile move, Hato has started only three Premier League matches this season, raising questions about his fit within the team. Meulensteen expressed disappointment over the transfer, noting that Hato was exceptionally impressive during his tenure at Ajax, where he notably became the youngest player to captain the club. This achievement underscored the significant trust placed in his leadership and personality by the manager.
Meulensteen emphasized, "It is a disappointing move for Jorrel Hato because he was absolutely outstanding for Ajax at the time. He was very, very young and was the captain, which says a lot about the trust the manager put in him."
Concerns Over Career Development
The former coach pointed out that while young players like Hato may secure lucrative contracts, consistent playing time is crucial for their development. He suggested that Hato might not have settled well at Chelsea due to potential mismatches with the team's playing style. Meulensteen remarked, "Yes, he can get a big paycheck and a lot of money in the bank, but young players should be playing. Nobody can guarantee success for players wherever they go, but you want to get a sense of the manager's plan and what he has planned for you."
Versatility and Potential Appeal
Highlighting Hato's adaptability, Meulensteen noted that the defender is capable of playing multiple positions, including left-back, centre-back, and as a defensive midfielder, while being technically proficient. This versatility could make him an attractive target for other clubs. Meulensteen added, "He is technically very, very good. It doesn't help his career, so it wouldn't surprise me if he is looking for a loan move or another challenge elsewhere."
Recommendation for Manchester United
In his advice to Manchester United, Meulensteen stated that if Hato becomes available, the club should actively pursue him. He believes that Hato, still very young, possesses considerable untapped potential that could be unlocked with the right opportunity. "If I were any Premier League team, including Manchester United, and he were available or became available, I would definitely be looking at him because he is still very young, and there is a lot of potential to unlock," Meulensteen concluded.
