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Man United signing this quick and agile German ace would solve their full-back woes

Why Manchester United must make a move for Mitchell Weiser in January

Manchester United found some rhythm in the last few weeks after securing a 3-2 comeback victory over Newcastle United and with some improved performances – most notably the 2-1 win over Juventus in Turin in the Champions League.

But United’s limp display in the 3-1 loss at Manchester City on Sunday has brought Jose Mourinho and his team back to earth.

That defeat left the Red Devils at 8th place in the Premier League – a position far from where they expect to be and one which all but extinguished their title hopes for this season.

Against City, United’s defence got exposed brutally and the scoreline would have been more embarrassing had Pep Guardiola’s side been ruthless in front of the goal.

Injuries to Diogo Dalot and Antonio Valencia saw Ashley Young start at right-back. The 33-year-old has done a commendable job this season so far but was caught out of position a number of times and endured a torrid time up against the in-form Raheem Sterling.

Young allowed the likes of Sterling and co. too much space down his flank and the City attackers exploited it gleefully.

To put things into perspective, Manchester United not only need a quality centre-half but also a full-back adept at defending as well as contributing to the attack.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Mitchell Weiser can be a smart choice to consider for the Red Devils to strengthen their porous backline.

Since leaving Bayern Munich in 2015 in search for more regular game time, Mitchell Weiser has developed into one of his country’s most exciting young talents. He impressed in his three-year spell at Hertha Berlin which earned him a move to Bayer Leverkusen at the end of last season.

And at Bayer Leverkusen, the 24-year-old has put in a string of fantastic displays, managing three assists and a goal in 10 Bundesliga games. Mitchell Weiser is not only capable of playing at right-back, but also as a left-back and a right-winger.

The German is a quick, agile, industrious and shows good positioning and awareness at the back. Weiser excels at breaking up opposition’s play and never hesitates to take a booking for his team.

He is equally adept when it comes to contributing at the other end of the pitch and likes to take on defenders and beat them with his dribbling skills. Also, the former Bayern man is a good crosser of the ball, something which Mourinho expects from his full-backs.

Read more: Man United reviving their interest in jet-heeled Bundesliga attacker would be a shrewd move by Mourinho

Weiser signed a five-year contract with Leverkusen in May, so he won’t be available for cheap. But Mourinho should convince the board to splash the cash on the flying full-back in January to shore up his team’s shaky rearguard.