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Former boss urges Man United to play dependable defender in a new position

Manchester United lack a dependable backup for Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Manchester United lack a dependable backup for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer urged to play Aaron Wan-Bissaka at center-back

According to Premier League Productions (h/t The Express), former England boss Glen Hoddle has urged Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to deploy Aaron Wan-Bissaka at centre-back.

The Red Devils signed the 22-year-old right-back last summer from Crystal Palace. We shelled out £50million to acquire the players’ services.

Wan-Bissaka has often looked solid in defence. However, he does leave much to be desired while going forward.

“Wan-Bissaka is one of the best defenders in the league, there’s no doubt about that. Is he the best in the attacking third in the opponents half? No he’s not.”

Glen Hoddle has urged Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to deploy Aaron Wan-Bissaka at center-back
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been good defensively for Manchester United

Hoddle believes much is being asked of Wan Bissaka. He has backed the full-back to thrive as part of a three at the back setup.

Solskjaer’s setup has done little to make life easier for the 22-year-old. The Norwegian has set up United in a diamond or a 4-2-3-1 in recent matchups with varying success.

A tighter midfield will lead to the ball being played out to the wingbacks who will then have a more prominent role in the setup. This has seen Wan-Bissaka struggle, especially against Arsenal at the weekend.

Solskjaer used a back three to great effect against PSG
Solskjaer used a back three to great effect against PSG

Playing to one’s strengths!

Hoddle believes he is a better fit if played as the right sided center-back in a back three. It is a system that United used to great effect at PSG.

“I would love to see him play there, I think he’d be brilliant there. But then you’re changing the shape of your whole team, he has played three at the back this year and he could play that.”

Axel Tuanzebe started the night as the right-sided centre-back with Wan-Bissaka starting much ahead. Having the latter return to the back three will help get the best out of his defensive acumen.

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It is not just Wan-Bissaka who can thrive from such a tactical change. Luke Shaw also looked a better player as part of a back three against PSG.

With the likes of Alex Telles taking up offensive duties ahead of him, the United left flank looked solid in defence and threatening in attack. It is worth taking a look at in future matches.

Written by Pranav Nair

An Engineering postgraduate with a keen interest in statistics, pop culture and football.

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