Peter Crouch has warned Chelsea that if Thomas Tuchel is unsettled at the club, then they could have a "real problem" if Manchester United pounce.
With sanctions having been imposed on Roman Abramovich earlier in the week by the UK government, the west London club is facing a period of uncertainty and there have been some suggestions that Man United could look to swoop in for Tuchel.
United currently have Ralf Rangnick in charge until the end of the season and are on the lookout for a permanent manager.
Tuchel has been so impressive during his 13 months at Stamford Bridge, that if Man United were not interested, then questions would have to be asked.
Crouch, who faced a similar situation to what Chelsea are going through at the moment when playing for Portsmouth, thinks the Blues could have a "real problem" on their hands.
"From a players point of view, we get on with the football side of it. It was a real difficult time for all concerned," Crouch said on BT Sport.
"If that happens at Chelsea, with Thomas Tuchel, if he’s unsettled and someone like Manchester United sense he’s unsettled and go for him, then you’ve got a real problem."
Crouch's BT Sport colleagues, Steve McManaman and Rio Ferdinand, also gave their verdict on the unprecedented situation at Chelsea at the moment.
McManaman said: "We’re only three days into what’s gone on and every single day there’s more information coming out, more sponsors pulling the plug.
"It’s a fast moving picture and it’s great Tuchel has come out like that (post-match Norwich comments) and the players will carry on.
"There has to be a point where you think, 'right, we need to move on and get some clarity on what is going to happen'. The sooner we get that, the rules from the government and what Chelsea are officially allowed to do, that’s when the players can be more reassured and carry on as normal.
"It’s a very strange situation at the moment. I think the manager has been great, he’s been a leader and very clear in what he wants to say. How he wants the fans to behave. He’s been excellent."
Ferdinand added: "Not knowing is always the worst scenario. That’s where these players sit.
"There are players there who are going to be out of contract or saying ‘there’s no way I’m staying now’.
"So that could lead to a massive drive and exodus of players out of the club. There’s so many different things and moving parts going on that it makes it difficult for the players to really want to commit to a situation like that."
