Four full-backs Manchester United could target

Celtic put arch-rivals Rangers to the sword at Hampden Park at the weekend in a 4-0 win. And Manchester United had scouts in attendance to witness the action.

Why? Well it’s being widely reported that Jose Mourinho is very interested in bringing Celtic’s Kieran Tierney south of the border.

There are likely to be a number of entries and exits at Old Trafford this summer. Luke Shaw will probably be on his way out of the club having failed to sufficiently impress the Portuguese manager.

Although Ashley Young – Mourinho’s current left back – has signed a one-year deal, an orthodox full-back will be sought to in the short and long term.

We look at four options that the Red Devils could consider over the summer…

Kieran Tierney

Tierney certainly fits the bill in terms of the profile Man United tend to invest in the majority of their stars. The 20-year-old has emerged as one of the best young attacking full-backs in European football over the last two seasons.

A prototype full-back of modern football, Tierney defends and attacks with equal class and is fearless in the tackle. The youngster has a coolness that belies his age and possesses a wicked cross, too.

Having already garnered plenty of European experience at both Champions League and Europa League level, Tierney looks like he’s primed for a step up.

Faouzi Ghoulam

The Napoli star is a recent recruit to Jorge Mendes’ stable of players. And we all know the close ties between Mendes and Mourinho.

But that’s not to suggest that Ghoulam isn’t a fine player. The 27-year-old has impressed hugely at Stadio San Paolo over recent seasons.

Another full-back of the modern age, the Algerian international is quick, nimble and has a huge engine. He’s a gazelle of a player and loves an overlap.

Alex Sandro

He’s been long-linked with a move to various Premier League outfits but Mourinho could do a lot worse than bring Alex Sandro to Old Trafford.

Juventus would need to take a lot of persuading but they’re not known for turning down mega-money bids. And the Brazilian international has certainly proven his worth in Turin since signing from Porto.

Quick, agile, and powerful, Sandro will start this summer’s World Cup as back-up to Marcelo for the Selecao.

Jordan Amavi

Before a serious knee injury, Jordan Amavi looked every inch the attacking fullback Aston Villa had signed from Nice back in 2015.

However, the France international suffered at a rotting Aston Villa and never looked the same player as he did in the opening few months of his debut season.

But that’s all changed since his return to France and Marseille. Amavi seems to be back to his old self and starring for OM.

A rampaging left-back with an outstanding cross, the 24-year-old definitely has his defensive weaknesses. But if anyone can work on those issues, it’s Mourinho.

All Odds and Markets correct as of date of Publication