5 left-backs Manchester United should target this summer

Despite a substantial improvement from last season, there are still gaps that Jose Mourinho needs to fill if Manchester United need to be in serious contention for Europe's elite trophies next term. They find themselves second in the league table and are also in the semi-finals of the FA Cup this season, which they will want to win to end the season on a high note.

Their defenders have come under fire on many occasions this season and it has needed moments of pure brilliance from goalkeeper David de Gea to save their faces frequently. Mourinho has serious issues particularly at left back, where Ashley Young, who will be 33 years old in July, has been deployed for the majority of the season.

Luke Shaw seems to be heading for the exit door, Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind have failed to impress the manager and have barely started games in the second half of the season. The arrival of a new left-back seems almost inevitable unless Shaw can earn the trust of the manager before the end of the season.

So, we look at 5 players that Mourinho should target this summer in order to strengthen the position:

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#5 Alex Grimaldo (Benfica)

Grimaldo(R) for Benfica in 2017

A Barcelona youth product, Grimaldo is beginning to show promise. He was signed by Benfica from Barcelona B in 2016, and has since cemented his position as Benfica's first-choice left back. He has 30 appearances in all competitions this campaign and has a goal as well as 4 assists to his name.

He has won back to back league titles with Benfica and was also part of the Spain squad that won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2012. He is under contract till 2021 and although his market value is around £11.70 million, it will take a lot more to rope him in.

An incredibly agile and pacy defender, he is also known for his set-piece taking ability. The 22-year-old is yet to reach his prime and will definitely be a good signing if Mourinho can persuade the player to join the club. He has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford earlier this season.

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#4 Kieran Tierney (Celtic)

Is Tierney the next big thing?

The young Scottish defender has shot into fame recently because of his impressive performances for club and country. At just 20 years of age, Tierney has already worn the captain's armband for Celtic as well as the Scotland national team.

He is an extremely versatile player capable of playing on either flank and also has often been employed as a central defender. In 48 games this season, he has scored 4 times and has also grabbed 9 assists. He has won back to back league title with Celtic and has been named as the PFA Scotland Young Player of The Year for two consecutive years.

His versatility is a huge plus and he seems to be a player with immense potential. His contract ends only in 2023 but Celtic may be willing to sell him if a substantial offer comes in. There have also been rumours that Manchester United are closely monitoring the player.

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#3 Jose Gaya (Valencia)

Gaya has enjoyed a breakthrough season

A Valencia academy product, Gaya has been a mainstay in their line-up for the past three seasons. The player is starting to show promise and Europe's biggest clubs are beginning to take notice of his developments.

He is a quick reader of the game and often uses his awareness to get the better of his opponents. He is also a decent crosser of the ball and he has played a good part in Valencia's campaign this season as they sit fourth in the league, 1 point behind Real Madrid.

The 22-year-old already has played more than 100 games for Valencia and has also represented Spain at all youth levels.

The player has a contract till 2020 and reportedly also has a €50 million release clause inserted into it. There were even reports last week that claimed that Gaya is a transfer target for Mourinho.

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#2 Alex Sandro (Juventus)

Sandro celebrating a goal

Alex Sandro has emerged as one of the best left-backs in Europe. He was bought by Juventus in 2015 for €26 million. Since then, the Brazilian has played 319 club games and also has 10 international caps for Brazil.

Sandro has often been deployed as a wing-back and has proved that he possesses great offensive attributes. He is extremely fast, good with the ball and is also an excellent crosser of the ball- something lacking in Mourinho's current options. He will definitely bring a world of difference to United's back-line.

Sandro has been heavily linked with Manchester United and Chelsea in the last couple of transfer windows. There were even reports of a possible cash-plus-player deal for the player involving Matteo Darmian. The player will definitely won't come on the cheap as Juventus will not want to let go of him easily.

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#1 Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur)

Danny Rose in action

Despite injuries hampering his progress, the Tottenham player has incredible quality. Rose joined Spurs from Leeds in 2007. He was sent out on loan four times by Spurs to gain enough experience. His debut for Spurs was against Arsenal in 2010 where he scored a thunderous volley to give them the lead.

Solid defensively and has enough offensive potential to trouble opposition defenders, Rose has been a subject of interest from Manchester United for a long time, right from David Moyes' time at Old Trafford. The 27-year-old has 216 club appearances and is also the first choice left-back for the England national team.

Tottenham are reportedly interested in signing Luke Shaw, as per various reports, which may pave the way for Danny Rose to go the other way. Mourinho is known to be an admirer of the player and a move looks extremely feasible.

He has a contract till 2021 and United will allegedly need to pay at least £50 million to land the player.

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