Manchester United have reportedly denied Jose Mourinho the option of signing Juventus left-back Alex Sandro this summer.
The United boss had identified the left side of defence as a key area for improvement after deploying Ashley Young in the position whilst Luke Shaw was constantly overlooked.
And Juventus’ Sandro was touted as Mourinho’s first choice target after impressing in the Italian giants’ Serie A winning campaign, though he didn’t do quite enough to get into Brazil’s World Cup squad.
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Whilst earlier reports, as per The Independent, suggested Mourinho had ultimately decided to stick with Young and Shaw for next season, the Manchester Evening News have claimed that ‘it will not be Mourinho’s choice’ if they end the summer window signing Sandro.
It alludes to the club’s hierarchy being unwilling to back Mourinho in the race for the 27-year-old, who, without question, would improve United’s defence. The board seemingly want to prioritise other positions.
This is all a bit Arsenal. Mourinho is the manager and knows what United need to play his way next season, not Ed Woodward or the Glazer family. Those are not football people. They’re only in it to milk the Manchester United commercial cash cow.
However, the decision may have already been taken out of United’s hands as Italian outlet Tuttosport have claimed that Juventus view the Brazilian as part of their plans next season — although Paris Saint-Germain rremain interested.
Tuttosport also claim the Parisians met with Giuseppe Marotta, Juve’s chief executive, earlier this week to negotiate a potential deal for Sandro.
United may need to find a new centre back, another central midfielder and a backup striker to keep Romelu Lukaku on his toes, but a left-back should be near the top of that list. It’s an area of concern.
