Manchester United have been one of the most perplexing teams to watch this season, as despite having an amazing season last year, they have apparently fallen apart this year, with dismal Premier League performances and an almost certain departure from the Champions League.

Despite this, they are only three points behind Manchester City in fourth position after their emphatic win against Chelsea on Wednesday night.

If Erik ten Hag can keep his squad performing at the same level as they did against the Blues in the coming months, the Red Devils may even find themselves ahead of their loud neighbors come May.

That ambition may be easier to attain if United acquire the immensely dynamic midfielder, Florian Wirtz, who has recently been connected with the club, allowing Bruno Fernandes to take on a more permanent role out wide.

Florian Wirtz to Manchester United

According to a Sky Sports Germany story from last month, Manchester United is keeping a close eye on Florian Wirtz and, while they have yet to make contact with the club or player, are still very interested in the young Bayer Leverkusen star.

The fact that both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are reportedly interested in the young midfielder will be one of the most important impediments to the three-time European champions completing the deal.

Furthermore, any transfer will almost certainly cost an arm and a leg, with Sky Sports reporting that Leverkusen values its player at more than €120 million, which is around £103 million.

However, the “elite talent,” as characterized by football talent evaluator Jacek Kulig, appears to be worth the enormous cost, having already contributed eight goals in just 12 Bundesliga appearances for Leverkusen this season.

Furthermore, his arrival at Old Trafford may allow Fernandes to slot in on the right flank.

Ten Hag may use Bruno on the wing to make room for Wirtz

Some may criticize the wisdom of shifting the team’s top player and captain out of position to make room for a new, youthful acquisition.

If United were to sign Wirtz, his present output and future potential would justify him playing in the attacking midfield position. Fernandes is also capable of being effective from the wing.

Last season, the Portuguese international played seven times on the right wing for club and country, scoring three goals and contributing four assists, demonstrating that he can sustain his remarkable productivity even when not starting in the center.

The acquisition of the “magic” German, as described by U23 scout Antonio Mango, would most certainly push Fernandes to the wing, but the team would gain from having both.