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Kaoru Mitoma admits ‘complete defeat’ in battle vs Manchester United defender

Manchester United are planning to trigger contract extensions of defensive duo Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Manchester United are planning to trigger contract extensions of defensive duo Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Kaoru Mitoma admits defeat to Aaron Wan-Bissaka in Manchester United vs Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton & Hove Albion star Kaoru Mitoma has admitted that Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka handily defeated him in the FA Cup semi-final.

The two players started for their respective teams as the Red Devils went up against the Seagulls at Wembley Stadium on Sunday (23 April). In the end, the Old Trafford side managed to get the better of the Amex Stadium side on penalties.

Speaking after the match via Manchester Evening News, Mitoma hailed Wan-Bissaka. The Japan international was left impressed with the former Crystal Palace star.

Kaoru Mitoma was impressed with Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Kaoru Mitoma was impressed with Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

“He is a strong opponent, that is what I thought while I was playing. But there were a lot of scenes where his legs stretched at the end or he got the ball down to the back. I think it was a complete defeat.”

The English national put in a brilliant shift and locked down Roberto De Zerbi’s team’s left wing. Then, in the first half of extra time, the 25-year-old was replaced by Tyrell Malacia.

Mitoma has broken onto the scene this season. The Japanese has taken the Premier League by storm and has caused various opposition defences a lot of issues with his impressive dribbling abilities.

However, the 25-year-old had no luck versus Wan-Bissaka. The English national has been pivotal to Erik ten Hag’s plans in the last few months.

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Initially, the Dutch manager did not seem to fancy the defender. The former Palace star hardly got any minutes on the pitch before the 2022 World Cup. Diogo Dalot has been the gaffer’s preferred option, with the 25-year-old down in the pecking order.

But in recent weeks, Wan-Bissaka has been handed opportunities and has taken them with both hands. Now, the English national is giving Dalot a run for his money for a place in the team.

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The 25-year-old’s performances are a good thing for United. He has proven to be a reliable defender. Hopefully, the right-back will continue to perform well with the business end of the season upon us.

Written by Aheed Abrar

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