Manchester United have an array of attacking talent. But the team is lacking one crucial factor: Wingers.
United entered the transfer window chasing a winger and did not sign a first team player.
Facundo Pellistri and Amad Traore joined on deadline day, with one in the under-23s and the other still at Atalanta.
The one winger United have, Dan James, was not even brought off the bench among the five substitutes, which sums up where he is right now.
The lack of dynamic wing play has held United back this season. Especially when the attacking play from full-back is so sparse in quality.
So it should be somewhat notable that a player who United chose to pass up, had a big night of his own.
Sarr-prise
United were linked in the transfer window with a late move for Ismaila Sarr.
The Telegraph reported United made an enquiry for the Watford winger.
Sky Sports reported Watford wanted upwards of £40 million for Sarr, which played a part in United backing off.
But what Sarr has, is an unpredictability in his attacking play which no current Manchester United player possesses.
Last night Sarr scored an injury time winner for Watford to help them clinch a 3-2 win over Stoke.
He drifted inside to a central position and shot into the bottom corner when he was a picked out unmarked by a teammate.
Sarr created one chance, had two successful dribbles, and won five fouls for his team.
The Senegalese winger has now scored two goals and provided one assist in his last four games.
Part of the problem with his performances in the Premier League was that he was inconsistent. Right now, in the Championship, Sarr is addressing this.
There is a big difference of course between starring in England’s second-tier, and doing it in the Champions League.
But right now, Sarr cannot really do more than he is doing.
United perhaps should have taken a gamble. The issue is not just failing to sign Sarr – it is signing nobody able to have the same kind of impact from the wing.
Sarr is just one instance of a player who was available who United overlooked.
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