Brave & Tenacious: Why this rising La Liga star could solve Manchester United's winger woes

Back in 2012, Manchester United had dropped into the Europa League after failing to make the Champions League knockout stages in the 2011/12 tournament.

They were knocked out in the quarter finals of Europe’s secondary competition byAthletic Bilbao who featured an exciting youngster, Iker Muniain, a player integral to that victory over two legs.

Since that game, Muniain has remained in Bilbao, despite his living up to his promise and blossoming into a player worthy if his early hype and earning full honours with Spain.

And now he could be a target for David Moyes and Manchester United as they look to strengthen their wide options, which have been lacking this season.

United’s best winger this season has easily been the young revelation Adnan Januzaj, who has earned a Squawka Performance Score of 157. Muniain almost doubles this score, with 298. United’s other wingers and wide men are far behind the Spaniard. Antonio Valencia has 133, Ashley Young 28, Nani 27 and Wilifred Zaha, with a total of 30 minutes in the Premier League, -13.

Muniain has played in all but one of Athletic Bilbao’s La Liga games this season and in his 15 appearances he has only not started twice. In those games he has scored three goals (getting one against Barcelona) and assisted two and has helped his side into a Champions League spot in La Liga.

His shot accuracy is excellent. In 15 games he has taken 16 shots with 69% of those on target. This means around 20% of this total shots hit the back of the net and 27% of his shots on target result in a goal.

His passing also excellent with 82% of passes completed. What is slightly disappointing though for a player in his advanced position is his lack of key passes. Just eight in 15 outings which is, on average less than two per match.

Muniain is definitely exciting with the ball at his feet, and not afraid to take a player on. Not only that but he is good at it too. Out of 71 attempted take-ons he has won 56% of them.

Muniain would certainly add something to this United team and in an area they are lacking. Despite having a number of players who can play in his position none are living up to expectations, with the exception of Januzaj.

Moyes has even resorted to trying the likes of Shinji Kagawa in that position, which has proved fruitless, and while Danny Welbeck does a job out there, recent goals suggest he is far better played as a striker.

Manchester United should consider parting with serious money for the Athletic Bilbao attacker. The long term prospect of both him and Januzaj in the same team is a seriously exciting one.