
The England international’s future at Old Trafford is in doubt following a reported fallout with Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino in recent weeks.
Rose made his return from a serious knee problem earlier this season after the 27-year-old established himself as one of the Premier League’s best left-backs over the past two seasons.
The Tottenham star has already seen Kyle Walker complete a £52m move to Manchester City in the summer to help transform Pep Guardiola into clear title favourites.
Jose Mourinho has used Daley Blind, Matteo Darmian, Luke Shaw and Ashley Young at left-back over the past 18 months but the consensus is Manchester United need a signing to solve the problem position.
Former Chelsea defender Townsend backed Manchester United’s reported pursuit of Tottenham’s England international Rose.
“If Rose leaves Spurs, he would be fantastic for Man United,” Townsend told Sky Sports on Thursday night.
Manchester United have a rich tradition when it comes to left-backs given the excellent contributions of Irishman Denis Irwin, Argentina international Gabriel Heinze and France legend Patrice Evra in the Premier League era.
The Red Devils finished in sixth place in the Premier League table last season but won the Europa League and the League Cup under Mourinho in his first campaign in charge.
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