Recent reports from Sky Sports state that Manchester United defender Alex Telles could be on his way to the Stadio Olimpico this summer as Jose Mourinho seems set to add to his options at the back.
The former Tottenham coach is in the market for a left-back after Leonardo Spinazzola picked up Achilles injury against Belgium at the Euro Championship.
Alex Telles’ 2020/21 Season At The Old Trafford
The Brazilian wing-back signed for Manchester United from Porto on the deadline day of last summer for a fee of around £15.4 million. However, his playing time was significantly limited by Luke Shaw, who had his most productive season in a United shirt last term. Telles managed to put up just nine Premier League appearances as he kept playing second fiddle to the England international.
While you might question his defensive work rate, Telles’ major attributes are put to show when he’s going forward. The 28-year-old doesn’t refrain from bursting forward to dribble past the opposition players and place threatening crosses into the box. His powerful overlapping runs make him a highly advantageous asset as he adds a new dimension to his team’s attack.
Having spent the entire 2015-16 season on loan at Inter Milan (from Galatasary), it won’t take him too long to adjust to Serie A’s environment either.
Should Solskjaer Let Him Go?
Given Luke Shaw’s present form, it can be undeniably stated that he is one of the best left-backs in the world at the moment, so it won’t be possible for the Norwegian tactician to provide Alex Telles with regular game time. In case he decides to stay at Old Trafford, he’ll have to spend the majority of the 2021/22 season on the bench.
Hence, if the Serie A side offer a fair price for the former Porto man, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should set him free. Academy graduate Brandon Williams, who is naturally more suited to the left-back role, should be provided with more game-time instead.
