What’s happened to Antonio Valencia? The Ecuadorian winger famed for his direct attacking play and his ability to shrug off defenders with ease has become a shadow of his former self in the 2012/13 season.

Gut-busting sprints down the flanks and worm burning crosses into the box have been replaced with sporadic bursts and hesitant delivery. To say the Manchester United winger is having a mediocre season is being kind. He’s had a stinker so far. 16 league games with returns of four assists and no goals aren’t exactly numbers to excite fans or his own team-mates. No, fluid moves are being pole-axed more often than not by Valencia’s dallying.

The poor form of Tony V highlights a more pressing problem for Manchester United this season – a lack of game-changing wing presence. Ashley Young, who came into something of a purple patch before his injury, still isn’t consistent enough to merit a guaranteed first team place. Likewise, Nani, and if the red tops are to be believed he could be in his way out soon after rumoured spats with Sir Alex Ferguson. Beyond these three there’s, erm, no-one. Well, Giggs can still cut it, as he proved over two games against West Ham in the F.A. Cup, but he’s 39 now and has to be used sparingly.

Kagawa, Rooney, Welbeck, Cleverley and even Rafael have been deployed as wingers this term, but they’re far more effective in other, more natural positions. As much as there are concerns about the lack of midfield dynamism, the wide player situation could be considered with equal importance right now. For a team known for swashbuckling wing play, Manchester United are surprisingly bereft of options. And no, Bébé isn’t the answer either.

United need more quality from out wide if they're to beat Europe's best teams.

Although a Fellaini-type midfield enforcer would be welcome at Old Trafford, the middle of the park is stronger than it has been for years. Cleverley and Carrick have clicked well. Anderson, though clearly injury prone, has shown flashes of brilliance. And Shinji Kagawa is settling in nicely and provides that perfect ability of gliding into space to give and receive passes. Even Phil Jones is having a great crack at the Roy Keane role(tm) that United fans have been longing for over the years. Oh, and Nick Powell is destined to be a star too. It’s out on the wings that Manchester United look under-staffed.

The signing of Crystal Palace’s talented player, Wilfred Zaha, proves the decision makers at Old Trafford are concerned about the situation too. But Zaha will stay at the promotion-chasing Championship side for the remainder of the season, so any hope of a quick fix solution to the stuttering wing play is unlikely to happen soon. And with Ashley Young being ruled out of both Real Madrid ties in February, the situation appears to be in a parlous state.

While Valencia and co will likely return to form at some point and help secure Manchester United’s position at the top of the table, the summer transfer window is likely to see a change of personnel in their positions. A team historically famed for flair and game-changing moments down the flanks simply cannot afford to have their wings clipped if they’re to win Europe’s top prize again.

(Written by Nathan Irvine)