According to the Telegraph, Manchester United have been rebuffed in their attempt to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The Crystal Palace defender was identified as Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer’s number one target in the right-back slot this summer. However, the Eagles are adamant in keeping hold of their star defender, notably rejecting a £40 million offer from United.
The report claims that Palace could be forced to sell Wan-Bissaka, should the Red Devils come up with a better offer, preferably in the region of £60 million. But is he really worth the outlay for Solskjaer?
Wan-Bissaka’s rapid rise to prominence
Wan-Bissaka was an ever-present figure in the Crystal Palace backline this past season, having made 35 league appearances. He has featured in 3,473 minutes of football across all competitions, which is third highest by any Palace player during the 2018/19 campaign.
Wan-Bissaka’s defensive contribution was crucial to Palace’s impressive defensive performance in the corresponding season. As a result, the Eagles finished 12th, conceding only 53 goals. He was also involved in three assists.
Indeed, the youngster has solidified his position in the right-back role. And although he is yet to win a call-up to the national side, Wan-Bissaka certainly has the potential to become a regular fixture in the England national team.
What can Wan-Bissaka provide to the table?
Wan-Bissaka is generally advertised as a defence-oriented right-back. Unlike most other modern day fullbacks, the Palace defender is well-aware of his defensive chores and mainly operates inside his side’s own defensive half.
The 21-year-old is proficient when it comes to winning back possession. He has completed a whopping 129 tackles, which was third highest in the Premier League this past season. Wan-Bissaka is also an excellent reader of the game, with his tally of 84 clearances only bettered by Watford’s Etienne Capoue.
But, his overall gameplay is not only restricted to just the defensive side of the game, as the youngster has completed an impressive 61 successful dribbles. And this is the highest among any fullbacks in the league.
Why Man United should sign Wan-Bissaka
Wan-Bissaka will be an extremely sensible acquisition for Manchester United. The Red Devils are preparing life without Antonio Valencia next season and the Palace defender, to that end, could be an ideal long-term replacement for the Ecuadorian in the right-back position.
Most importantly, however, the fact that Wan-Bissaka is a defence oriented right-back could tune in well with United’s left-sided overload, where Luke Shaw often tends to venture forward. That means Wan-Bissaka’s tendency to remain inside his own half, could provide more balance and solidity in defence, especially when probing the opposition.
And at the age of 21, the English defender could be an ideal long-term investment for the Red Devils. He could also epitomise Solskjaer’s vision and footballing philosophy, being a young upcoming British talent.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
