Manchester United: Three potential replacements for Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia

Although Antonio Valencia exposed Aston Villa yesterdat, the Ecuadorian international along with Ashley Young have been inconsistent throughout their United careers letting down the likes of Beckham, Ronaldo and Giggs who have been rampant for the Red Devils playing on the wings.

The two United wingers haven’t exactly set the world alight this season and have arguably been the biggest reason why the Red Devils have had a tough start this season.

Here are three players who have the potential that David Moyes can look into. In an ideal world, selling Ashley Young permanently and loaning Wilfried Zaha would be the best option for Moyes. Januzaj, Valencia along with another player mentioned below could solve United’s problem on the wings.

Andros Townsend

The Tottenham Hotspur winger has shot to prominence this season and has also become a permanent fixture in the senior England side. Although some may think he is the next big deal to come out of English football, his stats are less than encouraging, as no player in Europe has taken more shots and scored less goals than the former QPR loanee.

With Aaron Lennon and Erik Lamela to fight for a place in Andre Villas-Boas’ first team selection, he may seek an exit should he be dropped, and Manchester United could be waiting to pounce. Though after the failure of one young English winger in the form of Wilfred Zaha, they may be cautious when approaching another.

Diego Capel

Sporting Lisbon winger Diego Capel is subject to transfer speculation every time the transfer window is re-opened. Though there is a realistic chance that United could make a move for the Spaniard, as they are lacking a winger and Sporting are looking to sell him.

He has a rumoured buyout clause of around €30m, but it is understood that he would be available for less due to the fact that Sporting see him as surplus to requirements. Capel is undoubtedly talented, but has flopped in La Liga and now the Liga Portuguesa, but could just need the right settings to take off, and Old Trafford may just be the place.

Hatem Ben Arfa

Last season, rumours were circulating that Ben Arfa was tired of life at Newcastle and wanted to take the step up to a top 4 club. Arsenal and Manchester City were rumoured to be interested, but a move never materialised.

Now Newcastle are high flying, and no matter how much they downplay it, they have a realistic chance of finishing in the top 4, should they have a positive January transfer window. Though United are struggling and may not finish in the Champions League spots, and this may put the France international off joining. But the name of the club may be enough to encourage him to join.