Whether Manchester United actually made an approach for Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell

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Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell was linked to Manchester United during the summer transfer window.

The rumours started to emerge after Ben Chilwell had been frozen out of the Chelsea senior squad.

Nothing ever materialised, though, and the left-back is back with the main group again. He could even get the chance to win over Enzo Maresca.

Maresca hinted that Chilwell could start in Chelsea‘s third-round Carabao Cup tie against Barrow tonight.

• READ MORE: £50m Chelsea player needs to have the game of his life tonight as Enzo Maresca hints at opportunity

Manchester United did not make a move for Ben Chilwell

Despite the links, it does not look like United ever made a play for Chilwell in the last transfer window.

According to GiveMeSport, the Red Devils did not make an approach for the 27-year-old and are unlikely to in January.

Their report claims that United want to sign players who are young, so Old Trafford does not appear to be an option for Chilwell.

Selhurst Park could be one potential destination for Chilwell, however. Crystal Palace are one Premier League club who are said to be interested in the Englishman.

Ben Chilwell could remain at Chelsea

It is not impossible that Chilwell ends up staying at Stamford Bridge. He has found a way back into the squad after his exile.

If the England international can take his opportunity tonight and then Marc Cucurella gets injured, for example, then Maresca could have something to think about.

Chilwell will want to be more than a back-up option, though. As things stand, you would still expect the £50m player to eventually leave west London.

With Chilwell, Cucurella and Renato Veiga all fit, Maresca has not had any problems at left-back this season so far. It is the opposite flank where the Italian has encountered issues.

Malo Gusto and Reece James have both suffered injuries, though Gusto is back and could feature against Barrow later. As for James, a return date has not been set, with Chelsea clearly trying to be cautious with their captain.