Manchester United are reportedly considering a shock summer move for Chelsea's £22m-rated winger Tyrique George, as the club commits to a long-term tactical shift under caretaker manager Michael Carrick.
System Change Sparks Transfer Speculation
Since taking over from the sacked Ruben Amorim earlier this month, Carrick has immediately reverted United to a traditional back-four formation. This marks a significant departure from Amorim's preferred 3-4-3 system, which persisted throughout his disappointing 14-month tenure despite poor performances and player dissatisfaction.
Club hierarchy, including director of football Jason Wilcox and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are believed to have pressured Amorim to adapt his approach before his dismissal. The Portuguese manager's reluctance to change ultimately contributed to his departure from Old Trafford.
George Emerges as Potential Target
The Daily Mail reports that United's commitment to a back-four system going forward - regardless of whether Carrick gets the permanent job - could lead the club to pursue wing reinforcements this summer. Chelsea academy graduate Tyrique George has reportedly "come into consideration" as a potential target.
The 19-year-old England U21 international was previously discussed during negotiations between the two clubs for Alejandro Garnacho. Chelsea had hoped to include unwanted players in the deal to reduce the £40m fee United eventually accepted for the Argentine winger.
Chelsea's Unwanted Asset
George's situation at Stamford Bridge has deteriorated significantly this season. After making 26 appearances across all competitions under Enzo Maresca last campaign, the teenager has seen his minutes dry up completely this term.
The winger is yet to start a Premier League game this season and was omitted from Chelsea's matchday squad for their recent FA Cup victory over Charlton Athletic. This exclusion highlights his diminished status within the squad.
Transfer History and Future Prospects
George came close to joining Fulham on transfer deadline day in a £22m deal that ultimately collapsed. The Cottagers had identified him as an ideal replacement for Harry Wilson, but the Welshman's decision to stay at Craven Cottage scuppered the move.
Chelsea have made it clear they are open to selling the academy product, either before the January window closes or more likely in the summer. New Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior recently commented on George's future, stating: "The honest answer is I don't know. Tyrique is a player of immense potential who I've been aware of for a long time."
If sold, George would become the latest in a long line of Chelsea academy graduates to depart Stamford Bridge, following Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher, Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall, Tammy Abraham, Marc Guehi and Fikayo Tomori.
United's Broader Transfer Plans
While George represents a potential option, United are also monitoring other wing targets including AC Milan's Rafael Leao and Everton's Iliman Ndiaye. However, the club's primary focus remains strengthening their central midfield, with Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton identified as top targets.
The tactical shift under Carrick has yielded immediate improvements, with United climbing back into Champions League qualification positions ahead of this weekend's clash against Fulham. Chelsea sit just one point behind in fifth place and will aim to leapfrog their rivals when they face West Ham on Saturday.
This potential move for George represents an intriguing subplot in the ongoing rivalry between two of England's biggest clubs, both battling for European qualification while navigating significant squad rebuilds.
