Pranav Nair
Former English international Michael Gray lays into underperforming Manchester United star Aaron Wan-Bissaka
According to talkSport (h/t Manchester Evening News), Former England international Michael Gray has hit out at Manchester United star Aaron Wan-Bissaka for his poor performance in the defeat to Aston Villa last Saturday.
The Red Devils looked toothless in attack on the day and open at the back as the Midlands side clinched all three points. In all fairness, the scorelines could have been less flattering had Dean Smith’s men taken their chances.
One player whose performance came under fire was Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The United right-back had a difficult night and has now come under fire from Gray.
The former Three Lions ace admits that the United star is the best when it comes to defending one vs one. His distribution, however, leaves much to be desired.
“He’s the best defender in the Premier League in a one vs one situation, but his distribution with the ball, with the ball at his feet he wouldn’t get a game in League Two.”
He goes on to add that the United full-back does not look comfortable with the ball at his feet. A rather damning accusation, especially given the country’s wealth of top-quality right-backs.
“When I watch him play, he never looks comfortable with the ball at his feet.”
While Wan-Bissaka is solid defensively, his game lacks much going forward. Managers such as Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have reinvented the modern full-back who is now a two-way player.
Wan-Bissaka has been caught out in such a role. He is behind the likes of Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James in that aspect. It is a trait that needs to be worked on in the coming years.
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The United star has so far had a season to forget. He also got himself sent off against Young Boys, turning the tide of the game in our opponents’ favour. He will now watch on from the stands as the Red Devils take on Villarreal this week at Old Trafford. This break should give him time to introspect and decide just that kind of player he wants to be and how to get there.
