Manchester United blocked Mourinho’s move for Juventus defender

Jose Mourinho wanted to sign Leonardo Bonucci this summer but Manchester United blocked a move for the defender, claims The Sun.

The United manager was desperate to sign an experienced centre-back this summer but chief executive Ed Woodward failed to deliver.

Mourinho drew up a shortlist of players he wanted United to target in the summer to bolster his defensive options and Bonucci was one of them.

The Italy international eventually returned to Juventus in a swap deal that cost £31m after one season at their rivals, AC Milan.

Bonucci was earmarked as the ideal defender to bring the best out of Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof, who have looked vulnerable at times.

However, Woodward did not feel that Bonucci, 31, represented money for value and opted against pursuing the Italian.

Since the start of last season, only Raul Albiol (330) has completed more accurate long balls than Bonucci (297) of all Serie A outfielders.