Meulensteen Urges Manchester United to Resurrect Chelsea’s Star Career

Former Manchester United assistant coach René Meulensteen has called on his former club to rescue Jorrel Hato from his current “disappointing” spell at Chelsea.

Speaking to BetGoat on February 21, 2026, Meulensteen suggested the 19-year-old Dutch international is being wasted at Stamford Bridge and could be a transformative signing for the new era at Old Trafford.

The “Stalled” Wonderkid

Hato arrived at Chelsea from Ajax in August 2025 for €44.18 million (£37M) with massive expectations, having been the youngest captain in Ajax’s history. However, his first season in London has been a struggle for consistency:

• The Playing Time Crisis: Hato has managed just 3 Premier League starts and 367 total minutes this season.

• The Competition: He has effectively been relegated to a rotation player, with Marc Cucurella and Levi Colwill locking down the left-back and left-center-back positions.

• The Stat Line: Despite 11 total appearances, Hato’s impact has been limited mostly to cup competitions, where he recently scored his first Chelsea goal in an FA Cup win over Charlton.

Meulensteen’s Verdict: “A Fresh Start Needed”

Meulensteen, who worked under Sir Alex Ferguson, believes Hato’s technical floor is far too high for him to be sitting on a bench.

“It is a disappointing move for Jorrel Hato because he was absolutely outstanding for Ajax… He is technically very, very good. It doesn’t help his career, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he is looking for a loan move or another challenge elsewhere.”

The Manchester United Connection

The timing of these comments is significant. Manchester United is currently in a state of transition under interim manager Michael Carrick, who replaced Ruben Amorim in January 2026.

• Tactical Need: United has been plagued by defensive injuries, and Hato’s ability to play as a left-back, center-back, or a “Number 6” (defensive midfielder) makes him an ideal profile for Carrick’s aggressive, ball-dominant style.

• The Transfer Landscape: While Hato is under contract until 2032, Chelsea’s massive squad size may force them to consider a loan or a permanent exit to balance their books for the summer 2026 window.

Career Snapshot: Jorrel Hato (Feb 2026)