Aaron Wan-Bissaka returned for pre-season looking ‘ripped’, but doesn’t have the ‘personality’ that Erik ten Hag is looking for at Manchester United, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.
The United defender has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford all summer and a return to Selhurst Park has been touted.
The 24-year-old came through the ranks of the south London club before joining United for £50m in the summer of 2019, but despite making 126 appearances, his future at the Red Devils appears in doubt.
His current rival at right-back, Diogo Dalot, is thought to be ‘really appreciated’ by Ten Hag, and with Denzel Dumfries high on United’s list of targets (as per Tuttosport via Sport Witness) it would seem as if he will be deemed surplus to requirements.
Despite reporting for pre-season in tremendous condition, Talbot has claimed that Wan-Bissaka is still lacking in a key department.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: “I think he’ll go this window if they can find a buyer.
Would you take Wan-Bissaka back at Palace?
Yes
No
“He came back in quite good shape, looking good and looking strong, but he doesn’t have the ‘personality’ – and that’s the word that gets thrown around a lot around Ten Hag and Carrington at the moment. Having that personality, having that drive, having that zeal, wanting the ball, being a spirited individual.
“Wan-Bissaka came back looking ripped and stuff, and looking in good physical shape.
“But he doesn’t have that cut and drive that Ten Hag looks for in players.”
TIF Thoughts on Wan-Bissaka and United…
The £22.5m-rated full-back is in the final two years of his contract and it would seem like an opportune time for the club to cut their losses.
He played second fiddle to Dalot for much of the second half of last season, while Paul Scholes has also labelled him ‘useless on the ball’ – which may not help his case in a ten Hag team.
However, it will be interesting to see where he comes in the manager’s thinking in the early weeks of the campaign and it could be an exit that transpires late in the window.