• Premier League

Real Madrid's Coentrao eyes 'honour' of Man United move

Real Madrid left-back Fabio Coentrao says he would be very interested in a move to Manchester United next season.

Coentrao, 27, joined Madrid for €30 million in 2011 and has a contract at the Bernabeu until 2019, but the defender has regularly been linked with a move away from Los Blancos during recent seasons.

Jorge Mendes' client reportedly almost joined United in the summer of 2013 only for a last-minute problem with the paperwork to scupper what would have been a season-long move with an option for a future permanent deal.

AS reports that Louis van Gaal is interested in signing Coentrao for the left flank given concerns over Luke Shaw's injury problems this season.

After scoring the winner in Portugal's 2-1 Euro 2016 qualifying win over Serbia on Sunday, Coentrao told O Jogo it would be an honour to play at Old Trafford.

"I have already shown an interest in playing there [at Manchester United]," Coentrao said. "It is one of the best clubs in the world, a club I admire a lot. It would be an honour to play there."

Coentrao has regularly played for Madrid in big games through recent seasons, but has not featured as often for coach Carlo Ancelotti this season.

His last two starts for the Spanish club have been the 4-0 La Liga humbling at Atletico Madrid and the 4-3 Champions League round-of-16 second-leg scare at home to Schalke.

Nevertheless, the player said he was hoping to play more regularly for Real between now and the end of the current campaign.

"I hope to get more playing time at Real Madrid and for the coach to trust in me," he said. "That has not really happened until now."

Coentrao said he retained a lot of affection for former club Benfica, but played down talk of a return.

"Everyone knows that Benfica is my home," he added. "I love Benfica and have a special affection for the club, but I still have four more years on my contract at Madrid."

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