Why is Manchester United looking for wingers again?

Carrick stated that the situation was “not a major concern at the moment” and that he felt there were options available to him that would allow him to go on the attack.

“We can still be dangerous,” the 44-year-old said.

“Matthew [Cunha] He played that role and caused big problems and had big moments. “When he plays wide, it’s difficult to stop him one-on-one.”

But Cunha is happiest staying away from the touchline and likes to get the ball into deeper or more central positions.

In the youth ranks, Gibraltar international James Scanlon has been an ever-present for the Premier League 2 side in the first half of the season and is capable of playing in an attacking role on either side of the pitch, but he has now joined League 2 chasers Swindon on loan.

England Under-20s Shea Lacey has made an impact in three substitute appearances for the first team, but prefers to play on the right flank. However, he has made just one appearance since being sent off in the FA Cup third round tie against Brighton on January 11, when he was an unused substitute against Fulham last month.

Few fans would claim that United were wrong to offload Sancho or Anthony.

Some believe Amorim could have handled the Jarnacho situation better, although the Argentina international is yet to impress consistently at Chelsea, while Rashford’s time at his boyhood club appears to have come to an end.

However, at a time when United are trying to get their budget under control and costs are being cut across the club, the situation widely seen on the left highlights the historic weakness in their recruitment strategy.

It also raises questions about the wisdom of hiring a coach like Amorim, whose tactics differed greatly from what fans are used to.

United were prepared to agree to the £65m signing of Antoine Semenyu in January, but the former Bournemouth man has opted to join Manchester City.

Amorim wanted to use the money elsewhere on his team. United’s refusal indicates that they are targeting specific areas, and the left side of their attack is one of them.

They are among several high-profile Premier League clubs to have been linked with 19-year-old Ivorian international Yann Diomandi, who is likely to cost around £70m if he opts for a move in the summer.

Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon has also been mentioned, although it is not clear whether United are interested in the England international.

United’s position is complicated by the fact that they are prioritizing bringing in at least one, and possibly two, central midfielders.

Experienced Brazil captain Casemiro will leave at the end of the season, and Uruguay international Manuel Ugarte has only made three substitute appearances – totaling 27 minutes – under Carrick.

No changes can be made until the transfer window opens anyway, so, for now, Carrick must make the best of his current options.

“We always think about that ideal scenario of putting the players together, communicating and seeing how it fits on the pitch,” he said.

“There are different ways to do it and we have really good options across the frontline.”