These trends began under Mauricio Pochettino — whose departure at the end of the 2023-24 season briefly threatened Chelsea’s fragile progress — and have continued or accelerated under successor Enzo Maresca, putting the club on a Champions League qualification trajectory.

For any Manchester United fan, the prospect of losing Kobbie Mainoo – whatever the price – is unthinkable.Yet, it’s a possibility that the Old Trafford faithful may be forced into accepting if