Okay, time to finally say it. We can’t wait for Aaron Wan-Bissaka to develop any longer. The English lad has loads of potential and is one of the best 1v1 defenders we’ve ever seen, but his lack of development is starting to cost the team. We saw it firsthand on Tuesday against Young Boys in the first UCL group stage match of the season.
Wan-Bissaka lunged in for a challenge and caught nothing but his opponent’s foot near the end of the first half. Manchester United were 1-0 up at the time, the half was almost over, and the challenge was made in the opponent’s half so there was no need to make a challenge whatsoever. The challenge saw Wan-Bissaka sent off before halftime, and ultimately cost United a valuable first 3 points in the UCL group stage. Fortunately, Villareal and Atalanta drew so United does still have a realistic chance of escaping the group. But, points against clubs like Young Boys are vital to any UCL challenge and can’t be taken lightly.
2 Years on and it’s the Same Player
Aaron Wan-Bissaka arrived at the club in 2019, along with Harry Maguire and Daniel James. The right back from Crystal Palace cost around 45 million pounds with potential add ons. The now 23 year old has spent 2 going on 3 seasons with Manchester United. Fans gave him the nickname ‘Spider’ for his unique challenges and excellent 1v1 defending. Wan-Bissaka has proven to be one of, if not the best just straight up defenders in the world, but the fullback position requires much more than that. A fullback also needs positional awareness and the ability to get forward and assist in the attack.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has shown glimpses of an ability to play well in attack but often falls far too short. He’s also been caught out of position on several occasions in his time with United. The lad has also been the culprit of some risky challenges and decisions over the past couple of years. There’s no denying his talent and his potential to become one of the best fullbacks in the world, but he isn’t developing fast enough for a club the size of Manchester United. His lack of development has finally cost the team first hand, and ultimately while there are others to blame for the dropped points against Young Boys, it is Wan-Bissaka’s fault.
Time for New Blood
It’s time the club starts to look elsewhere. There were rumors Kieran Trippier was set to come to Old Trafford this summer from Atletico Madrid, but nothing ever materialized. The English right back is still with the La Liga club, but could potentially make the move this January or next summer. But, the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo only means this club is set to win now. So, who can fill the void at right back for the time being?
Well, the answer is Diogo Dalot. The Portuguese right back was magnificent in his loan spell with AC Milan last summer. The fact he was ever let go in the first place was a shocker. Dalot did show in his time with the Italian club just how far he has progressed. The 22 year old has proven to be a terrific defender as well as an exciting attacker. Dalot is also younger than Wan-Bissaka and could easily become United’s right back of the next decade. Dalot has all the attributes to be a world class fullback. His time with Milan only proved that and not to mention his time with the Portuguese national team. Dalot was also one of the few players to play well against Young Boys. The answer to United’s right back dilema is already within the club.
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