Marc Cucurella could grab dream Manchester United shirt number if he completes loan transfer

Manchester United could assign Marc Cucurella a dream shirt number if Erik ten Hag completes his loan swoop for the in-demand Chelsea defender.

United have opened discussions with the Stamford Bridge side over a proposed move for the left-back after Luke Shaw picked up a muscular injury. Shaw is expected to be on the treatment table for up to two months, while his fellow left-back Tyrell Malacia has not featured this term owing to injury.

Diogo Dalot played on the left for United during the 3-2 comeback win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon. However, with youngster Alvaro Fernandez the only viable alternative, Ten Hag is keen to replenish his options for a hectic four-pronged charge.

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Cucurella, meanwhile, is available before the 11pm cut-off on Friday night after slipping down the pecking order at Chelsea since Mauricio Pochettino became manager. Ben Chilwell is first-choice left-back there, while Ian Maatsen has, recently, been preferred to the Barcelona graduate from their substitutes bench.

Cucurella, 25, started his senior career at the Nou Camp and played one senior game for the Catalan giants before spells at Eibar, Getafe - both initially on loan - and Brighton in the Premier League. Chelsea spent £63million on him last summer at a time when Manchester City were also interested.

Although the defender wore No.20 and No.15 at Eibar and Getafe respectively, No.3 has been a clear preference in his career to date. Cucurella donned that shirt for Barcelona U19s and their B team, while he also wore the same