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Manchester United: 5 January transfer targets for Jose Mourinho

By Tushar Bahl

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Daley Blind (L) of Manchester United celebrates scoring a penalty, his side's second goal, with team mates during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Manchester United and SL Benfica at Old Trafford on October 31, 2017 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Daley Blind (L) of Manchester United celebrates scoring a penalty, his side's second goal, with team mates during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Manchester United and SL Benfica at Old Trafford on October 31, 2017 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /
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FARO, PORTUGAL – JULY 14: Setubal’s Midfielder Joao Amaral (L) vies Benfica’s defender Alex Grimaldo (R). During the Pre Season match between SL Benfica and Vitoria Setubal. At Estadio do Algarve on July 14, 2016 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
FARO, PORTUGAL – JULY 14: Setubal’s Midfielder Joao Amaral (L) vies Benfica’s defender Alex Grimaldo (R). During the Pre Season match between SL Benfica and Vitoria Setubal. At Estadio do Algarve on July 14, 2016 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images) /

Alex Grimaldo

If there is one weakness in the Manchester United squad, it’s at left-back. While Ashley Young has made that position his own in recent weeks, United need a long-term solution on the left side of defense. Luke Shaw’s injury problems are seemingly never-ending. And there are talks of him going out on loan in January.

Daley Blind is reliable but his lack of pace often lets him down. While Matteo Darmian has yet to show that he can be United’s first choice left-back.

Enter Benfica left-back Alex Grimaldo. The young Spaniard was signed by the Portuguese giants from Barcelona in 2015. Grimaldo has gone from strength to strength since joining Benfica, and is now considered to be one of Europe’s brightest talents in his position.

The 22-year old recently played against United in the UEFA Champions League. And Jose Mourinho was reportedly impressed by his performances. According to the Daily Mail, Mourinho has already given the go-ahead to sign Grimaldo.

While he has a hefty price tag of 40 million euros to his name, United desperately need strengthening in the full-back positions.

So Manchester United should not think twice before splashing the cash on Grimaldo, even if Luke Shaw has a future at the club. The Spaniard has the potential to be a world-class left-back and being at United would give him the chance to become one of the best in the world in his position.

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