Forget Lingard: Here Are 3 Feasible Right Wingers Manchester United Should Try And Sign In January

Known for his love and want of specialists in his squad, Jose Mourinho has often reiterated the need to have players playing in their natural playing positions since he arrived Manchester United.

Unfortunately for the Portuguese tactician, he has had to settle for makeshift right-wingers since the season started. Mata, Mkhitaryan, Martial, and Rashford have all played on the right flank at various times, while the more recognized primary right-winger Jesse Lingard isn’t the most consistent performer there is.

The Red Devils can sure do with 1 or 2 right wingers of quality who can not only beat Lingard to his starting berth, but also provide the squad with much-needed depth in the attacking third, and here are 3 of such players.

Adam Ounas

Ounas has been under Manchester United’s radar for a while, and a move come winter might work out after summer transfer talks fell through. The 19-year-old Bordeaux winger is seen as one of the most promising French youngsters, and his qualities speak volume.

Following his breakthrough season last term, Ounas has become a first team regular this term, appearing in 7 Ligue 1 games, though he has had to play in a central attacking midfield position. But he is best deployed on the right, with the player himself saying of his abilities on the wing last October,

“I’m most comfortable on the right wing. I prefer cutting in, shooting on goal or playing one-twos.”

This season, the inventive dribbler and playmaker has created 4 chances and assisted a goal. Ounas has also completed 99 passes with a pass accuracy of 72% and doesn’t look like one that will struggle with the EPL style of football when, and not if he moves.

Antonio Candreva

The Italian forward is an expert on the right wing and has been deployed everywhere from attacking midfield right, forward right, defensive midfield right and central midfield right this season at the San Siro.

The 29-year-old is in his prime, and can still go 2 to 3 more seasons delivering quality services on the wings. Inter Milan might not hesitate to let go of the veteran when he still has market value, and he will no doubt be a great addition to the Red Devils ranks in the interim.

This season, Candreva has appeared in 8 Serie A games this term, and also featured in every of Inter’s Europa League matches. In the Italian league, the winger has been responsible for 4 assists and has created 21 chances. He has completed 171 passes with an impressive pass accuracy of 80%. While in Europe, he has scored 1 goal and created 3 chances.

Apart from his lack of defensive contributions, Candreva’s qualities will no doubt benefit Manchester United. With the team lacking a set-pieces expert, it’s a role he will take up with ease. His precise crosses into the box, dribbling and ability to lay key passes to the striker will all come handy.

Marco Fabián

The Mexican isn’t primarily a right winger, but often gets deployed on the flanks because of his versatility. At 27, he is no doubt in the best form of his life, and his numbers this season testify to that.

Marco has gotten 3 goals and 4 assists (1 goal and 2 assists as a right winger) in 6 Bundesliga games for Frankfurt this term. He has created 13 chances and completed 147 passes with a 77% pass accuracy.

Moving to a side like Manchester United will be an upgrade for the 2012 Olympics gold medalist, and he is most likely to hit the ground running upon arrival. Marco Fabián combines abilities of converting set-pieces, putting in a lot of defensive work and making key passes to make the perfect Red Devils type of signing.