‘I think so’: Darren Bent insists 22-year-old Chelsea player is good enough to start for Manchester United

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Darren Bent claims Chelsea youngster Conor Gallagher is good enough to play for Manchester Untied.

Gallagher, 22, has returned to Chelsea’s first-team squad this campaign after an eye-catching loan at Crystal Palace last season.

The box-to-box midfielder became a key player for Premier League rivals Palace, which helped him force his way into the England squad. He ended the season with eight goals and five assists in 39 Palace appearances.

Gallagher made his senior Blues debut on the weekend with a late cameo performance in the 1-0 win against Everton.

However, it’s noticeable the competition for places in the centre of the park at Stamford Bridge looks very fierce this year.

Gallagher good enough for Manchester United

TalkSPORT pundit Bent wants to see “brilliant” Chelsea player Gallagher make a decision on his future, adding he’s got the talent to start for rivals Man United.

“Conor Gallagher is the one I fear for a little bit because I like Conor. I thought he was brilliant for Crystal Palace last season. I think he needs to make a decision [on his future] sooner rather than later,” Bent told talkSPORT.

“He either stays at Chelsea and tries to fight it out with the fact he might not be able to get any football or regular football until January when they might allow him to leave. Or he goes, ‘Thomas, if I’m not in your plans now, let me go somewhere else.’ Go back to Crystal Palace.”

When asked if Gallagher is good enough to join Manchester United, Bent replied: “Yeah, I think so.

“It’s a lot of pressure… Would he want to jump into that fire right now? I’m not quite sure.”

Chelsea reportedly intend to keep Gallagher this summer despite interest in him, so it looks like the decision has already been made on his immediate future.

In fairness, the central midfielder has publicly stated his intentions to fight for his position at the Bridge this season. He recently claimed he’s ready to make the jump into Tuchel’s side and he hopes to play a “big part” this season.

It’s quite the task trying to compete alongside experienced teammates like Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho and N’Golo Kante.

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