Manchester United have a transfer issue that might be more important than signing a striker

Manchester United have prioritised the addition of a striker in the summer transfer window, but their Europa League clash with Real Sociedad suggested it might not be the biggest issue in the first-team squad. United were held to a 1-1 draw on Thursday night as Joshua Zirkzee saw his strike cancelled out by a Mikel Oyarzabal penalty.

United are still in a good position to qualify for the quarter-finals of the competition but will rue the opportunities they missed last night and the fact they could have effectively put the tie to bed. Paul Scholes labelled one mistake from Diogo Dalot ‘criminal’ in the draw, while Alejandro Garnacho did not cover himself in too much glory with several squandered opportunities of his own.

A lack of goals remains a huge issue for United heading into the summer, though it is not the only problem position that will need solving at the end of the season.

Manchester United need a new option on the right

Manchester United are looking to add a right winger to their squad this summer, with Sporting star Geovany Quenda a target for the role. A move for him could depend on how much money is left after the striker pursuit, though there is a growing argument that signing a right-sided player is just as important, if not more so.

Diogo Dalot deserves huge credit for his durability and availability in recent seasons, but it feels like he only starts matches sometimes simply because he is a reliable constant. You know exactly what you will get from him, as well as what you won’t.

This was evident again against Real Sociedad as the Portuguese full-back put in another mixed display in which he didn’t lack effort or desire but did lack finesse in the final third. The 25-year-old was sloppy in possession and can’t be forgiven for an inexcusable decision to cut the ball back when Rasmus Hojlund had raced through on goal to his left.

Ruben Amorim has put so much emphasis on wing-backs in his formation, and there has been a clear improvement on the left since Patrick Dorgu arrived in January, just as is needed on the right this summer. It can’t be ignored Hojlund needs to improve himself, and a striker is still vital, but if United had a natural wing-back on the right as they do on the left, then there would be so much more balance to their side and much better creativity in the final third.

It will become even more important when Amad Diallo returns from injury this summer, with United in need of a partner for him on the right side of attack who can complement his style of play and get the ball to him as often as possible.

United’s issues in attack are not simply a case of a lack of service or an underperforming striker; they are a combination of both and will only be solved if both positions are strengthened. Hojlund has been a huge problem, but he would have had a goal against Sociedad if the right wing-back was better.

READ NEXT: Man Utd star 'wants pay rise of £180k per week' to sign new Old Trafford contract