Aheed Abrar
Patrick Viera feels Crystal Palace are ‘short on numbers’ amidst links with Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Patrick Viera hasn’t ruled out more signings at Crystal Palace this transfer window. And Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been one of the players linked with the Eagles this summer.
The 24-year-old signed for Manchester United in 2019 from the Selhurst Park side. Now, the former England U21 international is being linked with a move back to the London club.
Palace manager Patrick Viera, speaking during a recent press conference via Manchester Evening News, stated that though he was satisfied with the incoming signings this summer, the former Arsenal legend felt the Eagles needed more depth.
“As a manager I think you always want more. So far, I’m really happy with the players we’ve managed to bring in but, obviously, we’re still pretty short on numbers.”
And when asked about the talk around the United right-back, Viera refused to give much away. Whether it was a ploy or just a rather honest answer remains to be seen.
“When names are going about it’s always difficult to talk about. We already have a couple of players on the right-hand-side that have done well since I’ve been at the club.”
Wan-Bissaka had a difficult time in Manchester last season. The 24-year-old wasn’t trusted much by Ralf Rangnick. The right-back put in underwhelming performances when he did play, losing the starting XI spot.
The former Palace defender came to United around a lot of fanfare. But Wan-Bissaka has failed to convince fans who feel he’s a decent defender but lacks adequate output in the final third.
Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Wan-Bissaka started in every Premier League game in the 2021/22 campaign. But the 24-year-old ended with just 20 appearances in England’s top flight.
It seems the right-back’s future under Ten Hag is uncertain as well. Diogo Dalot is the one who’s started most games under the new gaffer during pre-season.
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United have already brought in a left-back this summer. Tyrell Malacia has arrived through the doors at Old Trafford. Another defensive addition has been brought in the form of left-footed Lisandro Martinez.
United lack any real natural cover in the right-back position if Wan-Bissaka ends up leaving. It remains to be seen whether the Red Devils will offload the 24-year-old and get in someone else to compete for the position in the XI.
