Manchester United linked with buccaneering Serie A fullback: Why Jose needs him

According to Italian news outlet, Calciomercato, Manchester United are still keeping tabs on Juventus star Alex Sandro. The Brazilian fullback has long been linked with a move to England, and a January transfer could be on the horizon, especially after he rejected the last contract extension offer from Juventus.

Alex Sandro’s current contract with the Italian giants expires in 2020, meaning United could be forced to spend a fortune on the highly rated left-back. But will it be a sensible move from the Red Devils?

Alex Sandro: Player attributes and stats

Alex Sandro is an offensive fullback who is blessed with a sublime skill set. The 27-year-old is technically astute, as you normally expect from a Brazilian while he is also gifted with outstanding dribbling skills. Indeed, his exceptional ability to wriggle past opposing defenders even in tight situations is what makes him one of the most sought-after fullbacks in European football.

The Brazilian international has averaged 1.6 dribbles per game, which is pretty decent for a left-back while his tally of 1.7 key passes per game reflects his influence in the final third.

Defensively, Sandro is quite decent as well, having averaged over two tackles per game as well as 1.6 interceptions in the Serie A this season. His pace enables him to cover large portions of the ground, which comes in handy especially when defending a counter-attack.

However, his crossing is by far his biggest asset. His fizzing crosses are a hallmark of his gameplay and are something any team will want to have in their weaponry.

Why do Manchester United need Alex Sandro?

Manchester United are in dire need of someone like Alex Sandro, given their lack of depth in the fullback department. As a matter of fact, Luke Shaw is the only out and out left-back United have right now, and even then, the English international has often struggled with his form as well as injuries, thus forcing Mourinho to deploy Ashley Young as the left-back. It can be argued that Shaw has looked far better this season, but there are question marks over whether he can provide a telling difference or impact proceedings on his own which is a quality United desperately need going forward.

Therefore, Sandro could be an ideal signing, as he can not only revamp Manchester United’s defensive department but is also a definite upgrade on both Luke Shaw and Ashley Young. Furthermore, his offensive prowess could potentially reinvigorate the United attack, whose lack of potency in the final third is well-documented.

Additionally, Sandro can also be used further forward, where his accurate crosses could provide huge trouble for the opposition, especially with the likes Romelu Lukaku and Marouane Fellaini lurking inside the penalty box.

Stat courtesy: Whoscored