Manchester United told to bin off Chelsea Marc Cucurella and sign highly-rated England prospect instead

Manchester United have been told to avoid signing Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella and make a move for Brentford’s Rico Henry instead.

That is the verdict from talkSPORT’s Darren Bent, who believes Cucurella would be a ‘desperate’ purchase for the Red Devils.

Cucurella could be on the way to United this summerGetty

Bent believes that United should sign Henry insteadtalksport

Man United are keen on signing the Spaniard from Chelsea this summer on loan and talks are ongoing over a deal.

After injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, Erik ten Hag has been left without a senior left-back.

But former Tottenham star Bent believes that signing Cucurella would be a mistake and insists Brentford star Henry would be a better bet.

He told Andy Goldstein on Drive: “I don’t know why Manchester United would try and entertain… I get it, you’re desperate and trying to bring in somebody.

“But [Cucurella] has just not looked up to the level since he’s been at Chelsea. So it surprises me.

“I would probably rather go Rico Henry. Young, raw, you can develop him into a good player. But Cucurella has just shown signs.

“I think he has looked better at Chelsea when he is on the left of a back three. Not at wing-back but left of the centre-backs.

“I’ve thought, ‘oh he looks okay there’ but at left-back or left wing-back, no.”

Cucurella had a torrid time in his debut season at ChelseaGetty

Henry has been linked with United but Brentford do not want to let him goGetty

While Henry has been linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, the defender is actually a year older than Cucurella, who is 25.

United’s offer to Chelsea includes a loan fee and they will also cover his wages.

Whether the Blues accept such an offer remains to be seen with both sides vying for a spot in the top four.

Meanwhile, Brentford do not want to lose Henry this summer and have slapped a £30million price tag on him.

The Red Devils have been linked with several other left-backs including Marcos Alonso and Sergio Reguilon.

But Cucurella appears to be their main target ahead of the end of the transfer window this week.