Former centre-back Rio Ferdinand believes it is important that Manchester United invest in a new right-sided winger in this summer's transfer window, identifying it as their "problem position."
United thought they had solved their long-term quest to find an established right-winger in last summer's transfer window, bringing Jadon Sancho to Old Trafford from German heavyweights Borussia Dortmund. However, the £72.9million capture produced his best performances on the left last season, meaning he looks set to continue on that side of the pitch this term.
United are well-stocked when it comes to left-sided players, with Antony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Elanga and Sancho all capable of playing there. Rashford, Elanga and Sancho are also all capable of playing on the right, but they are more suited to coming in off the left side.
READ MORE: Erik ten Hag needs to solve Manchester United attacking issue that Cristiano Ronaldo can't
Manager Erik ten Hag has recognised United's need for a new right-winger, identifying Ajax ace Antony as one of his top targets this summer. The 22-year-old is high up on the Dutchman's wish list but Ajax are in no hurry to sell the talented Brazilian, meaning it risks being another saga that drags on and on.
But whether United are successful in their efforts to land Antony or not, Ferdinand believes the right-wing position is an area of the team that needs addressing most this summer. It has been a problem that has plagued United for years and they are still no closer to solving it.
"I think the problem position for Man United is the right-wing, because you've got Martial, Sancho and Rashford who all prefer playing on the left and are all more effective on the left," Ferdinand told Vibe with Five. "So, you've got Elanga - even he is probably better on the left-hand side as well.
"You've got four players there all vying for one position and they are best placed on the left, probably. I think right-wing is a position Man United have to invest in.
"They're going to have to try get rid of Martial if they can get him out. I think they'll let him go."
Although it remains to be seen what Ten Hag will consider as Rashford's best role in his plans this season, the United academy graduate will be determined to make up for last season's underwhelming campaign. He scored just five goals in all competitions and looked lost at times.
However, Ferdinand is optimistic that Rashford will come out firing under Ten Hag.
The former Reds defender continued: "I think the club and fan base will be expecting bigger things from Rashford this year, last season was a bit stop-start with injuries and stuff like that. I think this is a fresh start. The new manager, by the sounds of what I'm hearing from him, he's rejuvenated. I want to see the old Marcus that I know is there.
"I spoke to Marcus personally last year for a good amount of time and the kid wants to be a player. People go to me: 'You're making excuses for him'. Players need the right environment to provide the goods and I'm just hoping the right environment is there for Rashford this year for him to produce the goods."
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
READ NEXT:
