Should Manchester United look to get Juventus' Stephan Lichtsteiner?

Manchester United’s disappointing start to the campaign has been highlighted by some dubious defending, a phenomenon that has prompted boss David Moyes to begin searching for reinforcements to bolster his back line. The right-back position has been one of particular concern as Rafael, Chris Smalling, and Phil Jones have been entered into a rotation of sorts in the role, but should Man United consider Stephan Lichtsteiner?

Starting his career as a traditional full-back, the Bianconeri man has undergone a transformation under coach Antonio Conte to an all-action wing-back on the right side of his preferred 3-5-2 formation.

An energetic player known for his marauding runs forward and fierce competitiveness, which did little to endear him to the Celtic faithful in last season’s Champions League round of 16, Lichtsteiner has been a key man in Juventus’ return to prominence over the past few years.

A scintillating showing in the Italian Super Cup against former employers Lazio back in August seemed to foreshadow another productive campaign for the 29-year-old, however injury troubles and inconsistency have limited his impact in the formative stages of 2013-14.

Lichtsteiner has clocked just 330 minutes in Serie A en route to recording a Squawka Performance Score of only 24, having finished in negative figures in the latter in two of his five appearances.

However, what’s been unsettling is the players lack of productivity at both ends of the pitch, especially considering the role he occupies for Juventus that demands contributions in all phases of the game.

At the back, he’s made just four defensive actions to date, two interceptions and a single block and clearance each, chipping in just three tackles in five attempts to boot.

Going forward Lichtsteiner has been quite sterile, succeeding in one of six take-ons and creating a lone chance whilst picking out a team-mate with a dismaying 22% of his crosses (2/9).

His performances have been a far cry from the player that was a significant factor in all areas last term, when he made 26 key passes and netted four goals in the Italian top-flight whilst making 34 tackles and averaging three defensive actions per game.

It bears reiterating that Lichtsteiner has not been entirely healthy at any point during the current campaign. His grit, determination, and penchant for winding up opponents would add some much-needed bite to United’s line-up, and his versatility would comprehensively suit the famed outfit’s needs at right-back.

At the moment Lichtsteiner’s fitness and form remain in question, however, and Moyes will be aware that making a move for the 29-year-old in January would have be a calculated risk based on his ability to recover both.

But if Moyes is confident the Swiss international can free himself of these burdens and return to his best at Old Trafford, the Scottish tactician would do well to table an offer for Lichtsteiner, as in peak condition he would certainly be an asset to a United side in need of stability and experience at right-back.