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Manchester United haven’t had a proper right-winger in their squad in recent years ever since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Nani. Antonio Valencia started off as a right winger but has played as a fullback for the better part of his career.
Since then, United have clearly lacked someone who provides that attacking edge on the right flank. Recently, the likes of Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford have filled that spot. However, both these players prefer playing centrally and do not naturally slot into that position.
Juan Mata was someone who used to play in the right flank last season but the pace that he has lost makes him a liability at times during high-intensity matches. Given the depth that most teams have in their attacking department, United certainly lag behind in that aspect.
Their attacking moves often become way too lopsided due to this and hence a bit predictable at times too. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has managed to change that drastically and there is a better balance in United’s offensive moves these days.
Diogo Dalot played as a right-winger in few games and impressed with his crossing abilities too. Whether that is a long term solution is something that remains to be seen. Here, we will look at three prospects United could pursue to solve their personnel issues on the right flank.
#3 Nicolas Pepe
Nicolas Pepe is someone who has generated quite a lot of attention in recent times with his potential and performances. Playing for Lille, he has scored 17 goals in 29 matches in the Ligue 1 this season. Pepe is strong, quick and a goal-scoring threat.
His passing acumen seems to be excellent as the lad delivers 1.9 key passes per game. Pepe is a good dribbler too, and is someone who can stretch the play with his pace and footwork. He cuts in with his favoured foot and can attempt some lethal long-range shots too whenever he senses an opportunity.
However, the fact that he has already scored 17 goals this season is a massive advantage for a team like United who should definitely try to acquire his services.
The likes of Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane have added an excellent goal-scoring threat to Manchester City’s attacking moves and United could do well with someone like Pepe manning that flank. He is tenacious, quick and young.
If the Red Devils manage to channelize his energy and talent in the correct way, we might see a really good player emerging in the Premiership. However, for that to happen, Ed Woodward would have to pull up his socks and get working with Lille on this particular transfer.
#2 Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho has certainly taken the Bundesliga by storm with his immense technical prowess in his initial years at the club. The England international has started most of the matches from the right flank and left most of the people awestruck with his close control, finishing touch and passing range.
He is quick and an amazing dribbler, something that allows him to carry the ball forward by beating defenders at will. He seems to be quite mature whilst dealing with physically stronger defenders, something that is often missing from players of his age.
Sancho has recorded 12 assists in the league so far this season, which is on par with Lionel Messi. This is quite an achievement for a player who has just kicked off his career in senior football.
There has been a buzz around him for quite some time but it is appreciable how Sancho has dealt with it and not let the initial burst of fame affect his gameplay.
He has scored seven goals and notched six assists in 17 games whilst playing as the attacking right midfielder.
Sancho will share a good camaraderie with the likes of Rashford and Lingard at United. Borussia Dortmund will charge a fortune for someone as talented as Sancho but if United are to solve their long-term problems, he could very well be the man.
#1 Hirving Lozano
Hirving Lozano is arguably one of the best young right-wingers in Europe currently. The Mexican struck into stardom with his excellent performance in Mexico’s victory against Germany in the FIFA World Cup last time around. However, his exploits in the Eredivisie were very well documented beforehand.
In all contexts, Lozano could actually well be the perfect solution to United’s worries on the right flank. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer prefers to play a frontline that can deal with high-intensity matches. He wants his right-wingers to press incessantly, recover the ball higher up on the pitch and have a sensible passing acumen to build attacks from thereon.
Hence, Lingard has had such an important role to play ever since Ole arrived. However, Lozano is someone who will seamlessly fit into that gaping hole in United’s attacking third.
He can offer width from that flank, could be a genuine goal-scoring threat and can contribute amazingly to the high press. He will add further dimensions to United’s attacking moves and looks like the kind of player who will break every sweat and run through every blade of grass to ensure that his team crosses the finishing line.
Lozano has scored 14 goals and recorded six assists in the league in 23 appearances so far this season.
At the age of 23, his peak years are in front of him and Manchester United should make sure that they utilize this opportunity and milk the potential of this lad.
