Five things that will 'definitely' happen if Raheem Sterling joins Man Utd in shock swap deal

Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling is in talks to remain in the Premier League with Manchester United.

Sterling’s career at Stamford Bridge was effectively ended by new manager Enzo Maresca after being dropped from Chelsea’s first match day squad this season.

Maresca publicly admitted Sterling would not get any minutes this season after Pedro Neto was signed from Wolves in a deal believed to be worth £55m.

To add insult to injury, Sterling’s squad number was removed by the official Chelsea website.

It is believed Sterling’s preference is to remain in the Premier League and has been linked with Aston Villa and West Ham before a shock move to United emerged as an option.

United are in talks with Chelsea over a swap deal that could see Jadon Sancho move in the opposite direction and Sterling’s move to Old Trafford could see a domino effect take place. We take a look at what could happen if the move is sealed.

Fulfil his childhood dream

Sterling might have played for United’s two biggest rivals in Liverpool and Manchester City but revealed back in 2019 that he supported The Red Devils as a child.

Sterling told the Daily Mirror: "I shouldn't really say this - not now, definitely not now! - but when I was young I was a massive United fan.

"I had an old United kit, from when they won the last FA Cup. I was at the final in 2007.

"If two or three of the kids could be inspired, then that's all I was trying to do. Purely, that's how I felt at the time.

“If there was a kid who had a chance of being a footballer, hopefully that will give them motivation or inspiration to change their dreams.”

Burning bridges

Sterling’s decision to leave Anfield for the Etihad Stadium means the winger is routinely booed on his return to Merseyside.

Despite helping City win four Premier League titles during his time at the club, City fans have also booed Sterling when featuring against Pep Guardiola’s side for Chelsea.

He refused to celebrate a goal against City back in February but a move to Old Trafford would seemingly burn all bridges to his former side.

Sterling has previously admitted he was fuming over his exit from City. He told Sky Sports after his move to Chelsea: “At the time I was fuming, raging, but it’s gone, it’s in the past and I can only focus on the present, which is now, here at Chelsea, and the opportunity I’ve got here to go out and showcase my talents once again.”

Raheem Sterling won four Premier League titles with Manchester City (Getty)

Chance to revive his England career

A fresh start under Erik ten Hag could be exactly what Sterling needs to revive his England career after missing Euro 2024 under Gareth Southgate. Southgate’s departure after the tournament gives Sterling the perfect opportunity to impress interim boss Lee Carsley and prove why he should return to the international fold.

Sterling has earned 82 caps but hasn’t appeared for his country since the 2022 World Cup.

Southgate previously spoke about Sterling’s omissions: “It's like I have said over the past few selections: it's the area of the pitch where we have the highest level of competition for places. We'll never close the door because we know he can perform in our environment in the games that really matter. But, at the moment, we see him behind those guys.”

Marcus Rashford’s future

The arrival of Sterling could cast future doubt over Marcus Rashford’s future at the club. Off the back of a difficult season under Ten Hag, which resulted in him also missing out on England’s EURO 2024 squad, Rashford has been linked with a move away from his boyhood club.

Sterling predominantly plays on the left wing which could see Rashford slip further down the pecking order.

Paris Saint-Germain are believed to be long-term admirers of Rashford but are yet to firm up their interest in the 26-year-old.

Barcelona have been touted as a potential destination but it’s extremely difficult to see the La Liga giants producing a financial package that United would consider given their troubles in registering new signing Dani Olmo.

Jadon Sancho finally moves on from Erik ten Hag feud

Sancho returned to United training after finally settling his differences with his manager early in pre-season.

He spent last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund and looked ready to be re-integrated into the squad but was left out of United’s first match day squad of the new campaign.

Sancho is still believed to be exploring an exit from the club and a switch to Stamford Bridge would bring a close to a chapter of his career he will be quick to forget.