Five positions Manchester United need to address this summer - and the players they could sign

Left-Back

Juventus v Hellas Verona FC - Serie A

When Ed Woodward made Luke Shaw the most expensive teenager in world football, there was a very strong belief that he could be the full-back United could be served by for the good part of a decade. Yet, since that potentially career-ending injury he suffered against PSV, the Englishman has failed to regain his spot in the team as well as the qualities that once made him the hottest property in English football.

Darmian has notably tailed off since his arrival from Torino and is now reportedly seeking a move away from Manchester (multiple sources). Dire circumstances led to Ashley Young, a former winger, to be United’s go-to left back for a large part of the 2017/18 season, with his performances varying from brilliant to appalling. The major issue, though, is that he turns 33 in less than a month.

The primary target for this position has to be Juventus’ Alex Sandro. After enduring arguably his worst season in the black and white of Turin, Juventus could be tempted to cash in on one of their hottest prospects in order to strengthen the squad. Matteo Darmian could prove to be the bargaining chip that United hold in this case upon considering their long-standing interest in the Italian. Sandro is a naturally attacking full-back who can provide the width that the team lacks, is an excellent crosser of the ball which would benefit Lukaku heavily, and most importantly is an excellent defender.

The Brazilian ticks all the right boxes for Jose Mourinho and with head scout Javier Rebalta’s previous experience at Juventus, a potential agreement could be reached.

Faouzi Ghoulam of Napoli could be seen as a viable alternative for the former Porto man after another stellar season in Naples.