Manchester United’s rebuilding process under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has seemingly begun with reports suggesting that they are closing in on a deal for 21-year-old winger Daniel James, who could soon complete a move from Swansea City to Manchester United. Now, after almost completing that deal, United are rumoured to be pursuing Crystal Palace’s highly-rated right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who had a great season for the London club, which was just his second season in senior football.
Wan-Bissaka’s impressive performances have caused several clubs to pursue his signature, chief among them being the Red Devils. But Manchester United may be put off by the huge price tag that Crystal Palace have stamped on the 21-year-old, an eye-watering £50 million.
The right-back came through the Crystal Palace academy before making his debut in February of 2018. The 2018-19 season was his breakthrough year, where he featured in 39 games in all competitions, registering 3 assists.
Should Manchester United fork out the cash for Aaron Wan-Bissaka?
The 21-year-old is a fantastic talent, who is not just a defensive player but can attack and cause havoc in the opposition territory. Wan-Bissaka has tremendous energy to bomb up and down the right flank from his right-back position, while also showing tenacity when putting in tackles.
The young Englishman almost plays like a winger, taking on defenders, beating them with his pace and trickery, and putting in crosses. The right-back likes to dive into tackles and commit wholeheartedly when in defence, something which has been missing sorely in the United backline.
Manchester United should cough up the big money required to get the 21-year-old to Old Trafford. United’s first-choice right-back Ashley Young, who will be 34 by the start of next season, has been way below par with his performances in the season, while Diogo Dalot has shown signs of becoming a good right-back but has failed to provide balance on the right when given opportunities. Wan-Bissaka, in his one season in the league, has shown his talent, determination, and energy – all qualities that would bode well with the United faithful.
The Red Devils’ last two first-choice right-backs, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia, were both wingers converted to defenders, and the Manchester club haven’t spent much to buy new right-backs apart from Dalot to fortify that area of the pitch.
Manchester City spent nearly £125 million to sign Danilo, Benjamin Mendy and Kyle Walker in 2017 and United should pay the big bucks to buy a quality young homegrown player like Wan-Bissaka which will certainly give them another dimension which has been missing for quite some time at Old Trafford.