Manchester United Transfer News: Alex Sandro a Priority in Latest Rumours

Manchester United will reportedly prioritise the signing of Juventus left-back Alex Sandro this summer.

According to Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils are keen to improve their full-back options and are ready to push hard to secure the Brazilian to replace Luke Shaw.

"It is understood United's interest in Tottenham defender Danny Rose has cooled and Jose Mourinho is prepared to let Celtic youngster Kieran Tierney move to another Premier League club as he targets Brazil international Sandro," Luckhurst wrote.

In a potential boost to United, Sandro is said to be a major doubt to be included in the Brazil squad for the FIFA World Cup this summer. That means he would be able to play a full part in pre-season and be in the squad for the tour to the United States in preparation for 2018-19.

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United's only natural left-back in the squad at the moment is Shaw, although injury problems and a loss of form have seen him on the periphery of the team since Mourinho was appointed in 2016. Ashley Young has filled the berth and performed well in the main. 

As noted by Rob Dawson of ESPN, for a veteran and a natural wide player, Young has done well throughout this campaign:

Even so, an upgrade and a long-term solution to this problem position will be needed for United. Sandro would certainly be that.

The 27-year-old has had an inconsistent campaign, although since his move to Juventus he's been one of the most effective left-backs in world football.

Defensively, Sandro is tenacious and alert, while going forward he can be so dangerous; the Brazilian's runs are hard to track and his delivery is so often on point.

The United Stand Twitter account believes the left-back would be a smart acquisition:

"

Alex Sandro name being mentioned more and more as next seasons LB. Now he would improve us

— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) May 2, 2018"

Any high-profile left-back purchase will likely spell the end for Shaw at United, though, per the initial report.

Shaw arrived at United in 2014 having excelled at Southampton, and many expected him to be a surefire success with the Red Devils for years to come. However, bad luck with injuries and a seeming lack of trust from Mourinho has stalled his development significantly.

At this stage, it may actually benefit the youngster to move on. Journalist Liam Canning doesn't believe he's had a fair chance as of late:

In the right setup and under a manager willing to be patient, it would be no surprise to see Shaw settle down and thrive. But Mourinho hasn't typically bought into developing young talent; he tends to purchase players who can have an immediate impact in the team's chase for trophies.

In that regard, Sandro ticks a lot of boxes, having already sampled success aplenty at Juventus and proved himself as a world-class operator at his best. It's a signing that would give United more defensive dynamism and another crucial attacking outlet.