Manchester United journalist Andy Mitten has recently talked about a potential tactical change at the club from next season onwards.
It was recently reported that United are considering playing Aaron Wan-Bissaka at centre-back from next season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly wants to know whether the defender can potentially double-up by filling in centrally, with the club keen on signing Kieran Trippier.
Mitten talked about this potential tactical switch involving Wan-Bissaka when he appeared on the United We Stand podcast. The journalist made it clear that he’s not heard anything along those lines and there is a feeling that Wan-Bissaka could struggle in aerial situations if he plays as a centre-back.
Do you think Wan-Bissaka can play at centre-back?
Yes
No
The journalist said: “Quite a few of you have asked about Aaron Wan-Bissaka playing central defence. That’s news to me.
“As far as I understand with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, he’s not someone who’s considered to be great in the air. I have asked a few people about this, someone said to me he could play in a three, but he’d struggle with somebody like Harry Kane and the way that Harry Kane backs into him.
“Someone said someone like Burnley would eat Aaron Wan-Bissaka alive in a Premier League game. I’ve not heard anything about that.”
TIF Thoughts on potential tactical change involving Wan-Bissaka…
23-year-old Wan-Bissaka improved on his goal contributions tally in the 2020/21 campaign, as the defender had a direct hand in seven goals in all competitions, compared to just four the season prior. He also played more passes and key passes per game in the 2020/21 campaign than he did in the 2019/20 season,
On the other hand, his heading accuracy has improved only marginally and you could argue aerial ability is generally a rather important trait for a defender. So playing Wan-Bissaka as a centre-back may not be a good idea for United – though it will be interesting to see whether this reported plan comes to fruition once the forthcoming season gets underway.
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