No defender in the Premier League has created more goals than Fulham left-back Anontee Robinson this season.

However, Manchester United stopped him from taking his number of assists for the campaign into double figures at Craven Cottage on Sunday evening.

United secured a dogged 1-0 victory in the capital thanks to a deflected second half effort from Lisandro Martinez. The quality of the goal was a reflection of the quality of the game.

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The Reds struggled to create opportunities on the banks of the Thames, registering just four shots over the course of the evening. Martinez's match-winner was the only one that was on target.

Despite chalking up a second successive victory, United's performance was a reminder that work still needs to be done on the recruitment front ahead of the transfer window slamming shut at 11pm next Monday evening.

As United's attacking metrics confirmed, Ruben Amorim's side were toothless up front. Rasmus Hojlund, who was recalled to the starting XI, had just 20 touches of the ball and Joshua Zirkzee, who replaced him in the second half, had ten.

In their defence, neither of them had an awful lot to feed off. United's supply line via the wide areas was practically non-existent, with wing-backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui offering very little in terms of service.

Having 52 touches of the ball apiece, neither of them produced a key pass or an accurate cross. It once again highlighted United's need to strengthen their wing-back department.

As has been well-documented throughout the window, United are prioritising the addition of a left-sided wing-back before the bell sounds. Their pursuit of Lecce's Patrick Dorgu remains ongoing and they are hopeful of getting a deal in place.

United are also understood to have taken a liking to Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez, who has arguably been the best left-back in the Premier League this season. Robinson will also believe he is worthy of the same title.

Despite not being at his best on Sunday night, the former AC Milan star has been one of the division's most consistent performers this season, playing every single minute of Fulham's Premier League campaign. His tally of nine assists speaks volumes about the type of player he is, and it is a full-back/wing-back where United lack creativity.

In Amorim's 3-4-2-1 shape, the onus is on the wing-backs to provide width and creativity. Unfortunately, neither Mazraoui or Dalot are athletic enough to offer United those cravings. They are both better as traditional full-backs in a back-four.

As a caveat, it is important to outline that Robinson has spent much of his career playing as a traditional left-back. But according to data experts Transfermarkt, there have been four instances this season where he has played as a wing-back when Marco Silva has switched Fulham's shape to accommodate a back-three.

He has provided one assist when operating as a wing-back, creating the Cottagers' second goal in their 2-2 draw with Bournemouth just after Christmas.

Amorim referenced the "mistakes" United have made on the recruitment front in recent years when speaking post-match on Sunday night, meaning the club can ill-afford to put square pegs in round holes as they aim to strengthen before the deadline.

But despite Robinson's limited experience as a wing-back, his profile as an attack-minded left-back, who is a strong athlete and blessed with speed, makes him a realistic option. The US international has also been linked with Liverpool recently and they have earned their flowers for getting recruitment right in recent years.

Nine assists in 23 games for a left-back playing in a team that has scored 34 goals and occupies tenth in the table is a very respectable return. United need ready-made options and the 27-year-old has done more than enough to show he would be an upgrade on United's current left-sided wing-back options.