Manchester United’s offensive imbalance was evident with all their right wingers preferring to play on the left flank.
Previous managers such as José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick have all tried to play them down the right, but produced mixed results.
Mourinho tried to shoe Anthony Martial down the right, but it became clear that the Frenchman was much more skillful on the left flank or up front.
RW afflictions
Solskjaer played Marcus Rashford there several times and although the Mancunian never complained, he was far more dangerous when allowed to run into space from the left.
Marca, Spain, report Manchester Utd, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Everton want to sign Hirving Lozano, around 30 million euros.
– seems like a story generated by an agent to get me a new deal, a great outlet and clubs that are linked to everyone.
— Adam McNulty (@mcnultyadamm) September 25, 2022
Jadon Sancho’s impact from the right at Borussia Dortmund meant his arrival at United would fix this problematic position. But Sancho showed his competence more as a left winger and once again United were left without a full right winger.
Rangnick tried to use academy graduate Anthony Elanga in that role, but even he struggled to make an impact that forced Ten Hag to call the record move for Antony.
The left-handed Brazilian is comfortable on the right and has solved a major crisis for the Dutchman. He scored on his debut against Arsenal and has started every game since his arrival.
Behind the scenes awaits Facundo Pellistri, a born right back who has shone in the Uruguayan team. He has yet to make his United debut and Ten Hag is likely to give him minutes in the Europa League.
Could Lozano be the solution?
Should Pellistri be found to be too raw and need minutes, United will send him on loan in January and a replacement will then need to be recruited.
According to the Mexican edition of Marca (via Corriere dello Sport), the Red Devils are closely following the situation of Napoli winger Hirving Lozano.
The Mexico international is not happy in Napoli as manager Luciano Spalletti prefers Matteo Politano over him and is looking for an exit route as early as January.
The report mentions that Bayern Munich remain interested, while Bundesliga club RB Leipzig are also eyeing the 27-year-old. Premier League team Everton are also fans.
“Napoli, however, would not be willing to open the table for any negotiations for a figure lower than 30 million euros,” the report added.
United appear unlikely to move for Lozano in January due to his price tag and this could be a ploy to get more playing time or a new deal.
Ten Hag’s immediate concern is to get a striker, a right back and a goalkeeper next summer.
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