Rio Ferdinand sounds out a warning to Manchester United full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw
Speaking on the FIVE Youtube Channel (h/t The Mirror), Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand has sounded out a warning to Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw.
The English duo have been the club’s first-choice full-back pairing for some time now. While they do provide moments of magic, the duo can also be equally frustrating at times. That has more often than not been the case this season as former manager Ole Gunnar Solskajer struggled to get the best out of his team.
Now under Ralf Rangnick, Man United are ushering in a new era of efficiency and hopefully, success. If Ferdinand is to be believed, both Wan-Bissaka and Shaw are not guaranteed a spot in the German’s system.
“Wan-Bissaka has got a hell of a job getting back in this team. The same for Luke Shaw.”
Wan-Bissaka was left on the bench for Rangnick’s opener against Crystal Palace at the weekend. Diogo Dalot, who started in his stead, looked a much better player than he has previously been given credit for. The same can be said for Alex Telles, who started instead of the injured Shaw.
It can be argued that Dalot and Telles are better on the ball than Man United’s English duo. Ferdinand goes on to argue that Rangnick is a manager who likes his players to be technically proficient.
“One thing this manager likes is full-backs who can actually play and get on the ball.”
Ferdinand in particular points out the technical flaws in Wan-Bissaka’s game. The 24-year-old is an athletic player who lacks the technical nous to function as a modern-day fullback. It could very well prove to be his undoing under Rangnick.
“As well as doing the other stuff like pressing, he wants output with the ball. That’s the weakest part of Wan-Bissaka’s game, there’s going to be a big fight for him to get back into this team.”
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The likes of Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Manchester City have redefined the roles of a modern-day full-back in the game today. Chelsea too are starting to catch up while Manchester United continue to be left behind.
With Rangnick at the helm, it will hopefully bring about a change in tactics and ideas, helping us keep pace with the changing game. Merit above everything should be the mantra at Old Trafford and it remains to be seen who will step up and take their chance. But the competition for places on the flanks is encouraging to see at the very least.
