BRAZIL STAR SANDRO IS REDS TARGET

JUVENTUS defender Alex Sandro is Jose Mourinho’s preferred left-back target should United seek a replacement for Luke Shaw in the summer.

Sandro, 26, has been heavily linked with a January transfer window move to Chelsea but M.E.N. Sport understands United have no intention of reinforcing at leftback this month following Shaw’s resurgence and the form of Ashley Young.

Brazil international Sandro is contracted to Juve until 2020 and remains a regular starter in coach Massimiliano Allegri’s side. Sandro has started 13 of Juve’s 21 Serie A fixtures this term and lined up in their six Champions League group games but is coveted by Premier League clubs.

United have monitored a number of left-backs over the past year, including Tottenham’s Danny Rose and Celtic youngster Kieran Tierney, but Mourinho is believed to have identified Sandro as the ideal recruit should he decide to sell Shaw.

M.E.N. Sport revealed earlier this month United have triggered the one-year extension in Shaw’s contract to tie him to Old Trafford until 2019 and prevent him leaving on a free transfer in the summer.

Shaw had started five successive United games, a feat he has not accomplished since the start of the 2015-16 campaign, until Young was recalled for the weekend win at Burnley.

United special: Pages 54-56