Wolves defender Ruben Vinagre discusses Jose Mourinho and Manchester United rejection

Monaco starlet and Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Ruben Vinagre snubbed Manchester United for the Ligue 1 leaders in order to further his development but he is hoping to one day work under Jose Mourinho.

Vinagre, 18, is currently riding high at the top of the Championship with Wolves, who have been heavily backed by new owners Fosun and influenced by agent Jorge Mendes in recent months. The young Portuguese left-back has appeared nine times for Nuno Espirito Santo's men so far, and was recently linked with Everton, Arsenal and Manchester City.

Monaco certainly would not let their burgeoning young starlet leave without commanding an extortionate fee, and Vinagre, who joined Les Monegasques in the summer of 2015, believes the French champions are the best club for him at this stage of his career, though he did not rule out the possibility of joining United in the future.

Vinagre admitted he was "very focused" on joining United while at Sporting Lisbon, but eventually decided to move to France after talking through his options with his representatives.

"United is a great club and a dream, like other big clubs in England and Spain," Vinagre told O Jogo, relayed by Sport Witness. "At the time, I was very focused on United, because it was a great opportunity... But then the other proposals were studied and I, together with my advisors, thought that the best club for my development would be Monaco."

Vinagre also told of his desire to play for United boss Mourinho, and is confident he will link up with his compatriot at some point in his career: "Yes, of course, it doesn't happen today, but it can happen at another time, who knows. Now I'm focused on the club I'm with [Wolves]."

Vinagre may go on to fulfill his vast potential with Monaco, but Manchester United need an immediate solution to their left-back problem. Daley Blind and Ashley Young have taken on the role in recent months but neither seem to be viable long-term solutions for the position, while Luke Shaw's career at Old Trafford looks to be coming to an end.