Manchester United to Reportedly Offer Henrikh Mkhitaryan for Alex Sandro

Manchester United will reportedly offer Henrik Mkhitaryan to Juventus in exchange for Alex Sandro as they gear up to rival Chelsea in their pursuit of the left-back. 

According to The Sun's Alvise Cagnazzo, Juventus would rather make an exchange in the summer but "would reluctantly sell this January without any exchange should a £50 million offer come their away."

However, United see the chance to recruit him next month and will offer up Mkhitaryan, whom the Bianconeri are said to be interested in, though Juventus are also admirers of Daley Blind.

Either way, the Red Devils' ability to offer players and a transfer fee is said to give them a "massive advantage" over the Blues in the race to sign Sandro.

Mkhitaryan has had a turbulent time at Old Trafford since he arrived in the summer of 2016. The Armenian was left on the sidelines for much of the first half of last season before working his way into the team with some excellent showings, but he has not even made United's squad in eight of their last nine matches.

Per BBC Sport's Simon Stone and the Mirror's John Cross, manager Jose Mourinho dropped a strong hint the playmaker could be moved on:

While Mourinho may have thus far struggled to get the best out of him, the 28-year-old is a wonderful talent and would be an outstanding asset to Juventus.

In his final year at Borussia Dortmund, Mkhitaryan racked up a staggering 23 goals and 32 assists in 52 matches, and there's little reason to think he could not produce such form again under the right circumstances.

Mkhitaryan could be given a chance to save his career at Old Trafford, though, as Mourinho indicated he might play in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, per Goal:

A good performance could perhaps open the door to Mkhitaryan getting back in the team, but regardless of his future, Sandro would be an excellent buy for United.

While Luke Shaw has impressed during his two starts in December—the only ones he has made all season—Sandro would be a stronger first-choice left-back even if Shaw is able to salvage his own United career.

Sports writer Adam Joseph believes United should pursue Sandro:

"

I am all in on Alex Sandro signing for Manchester United if the club can pull it off. The second best left back in the world behind Marcelo & would be worth every penny. Having such an amazing player supporting the likes of Anthony Martial on the left would be incredible.

— Adam Joseph (@AdamJosephSport) December 18, 2017"

The Brazilian's form has dipped this season since he was prevented from joining Chelsea in the summer, but during his time at Juventus he has otherwise proved to be an exceptional player in his position, robust at the back and incisive going forward.

Left-back has been a problem position for United since Patrice Evra left for Juventus in 2014, but Sandro would be a decisive solution.