Manchester United have been urged to launch a surprise January swoop for Chelsea outcast Raheem Sterling, with the winger described as training like a "man possessed" in a bid to save his career.
According to a report from Football365, the 31-year-old is desperate for a lifeline after being completely frozen out at Stamford Bridge by Enzo Maresca. Having not played a competitive minute in over seven months, Sterling is now being pushed towards Old Trafford as a potential solution to United’s attacking woes.
Former Premier League striker Dean Saunders, speaking to talkSPORT, has claimed that Sterling represents a unique market opportunity for a club like United. With Chelsea desperate to shift his ÂŁ325,000-a-week wages, Saunders argues that a cut-price deal could be the bargain of the window.
A "Man Possessed"
Despite being exiled to the "bomb squad" and training away from the first team, reports suggest Sterling has maintained elite physical condition. Saunders revealed that the winger is training "like a man possessed" and staying late to work on his game, determined to prove his doubters wrong.
"If I were a club now, any team in the Premier League, I would sign Raheem Sterling," Saunders stated. "If you haven't got to pay a fee for him, and you can get his wages sort of halved... he is definitely good enough to play in the Premier League".
The United Connection
The link to Manchester United comes at a time when Ruben Amorim is searching for reliable depth in wide areas. With Antony likely to depart and Marcus Rashford struggling for consistency, a player of Sterling’s experience—having won four Premier League titles—could offer immediate impact.
Saunders specifically named United as a viable destination, stating: "He could play for Man United... The teams that are trying to win the league, he could get in their squads".
A Career Crossroads
For Sterling, a move to Manchester United would complete a rare trifecta, having already starred for rivals Liverpool and Manchester City. However, at 31, he is running out of time to return to the top level. "At 35 it's all over," Saunders warned. "Someone needs to get him out of there and get him playing before it's too late".
What Happens Next?
While Chelsea are prioritizing a permanent exit, a loan deal with a wage split seems the most realistic outcome. If United decide to take a punt on Sterling’s experience, it would be one of the most controversial—and intriguing—moves of the winter window.