Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho was forced to pass on a deal for Juventus fullback Alex Sandro over the summer, it has been revealed.

The Manchester Evening News says Mourinho earmarked Sandro as his main transfer target at left-back, with Kieran Tierney, of Celtic, a close second.

But, because of his desire to sign a centre-back, he was forced to sacrifice his interest in the Juventus star.

United then endured a chastening final few days of the transfer window, failing to sign any of their preferred targets.

Fred was their only big-name arrival, signing from Shakhtar Donetsk in a £52million deal.

Lee Grant and Diogo Dalot also touched down at Old Trafford but neither player is expected to be a regular this season.