After his impressive performance in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening, Michael Owen believes no winger in the Premier League wants to face Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Bruno Fernandes gave United the lead in the second half, but Michael Olise’s brilliant free-kick earned Palace a point at Selhurst Park.
Patrick Vieira’s side had a chance to win it in the dying moments of the game when Zaha was put through on goal, but a superb recovery tackle from Wan-Bissaka denied the Palace winger.
Under Erik ten Hag this season, Wan-Bissaka has struggled for playing time and has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the January transfer window.
And while Owen has praised the 25-year-old’s defensive capabilities, he insists United needs a right-back who is also capable of creating chances in the final third.
‘I think when the teamsheets came out Wilfried Zaha saw that Wan-Bissaka was going to be marking him in that game he would’ve been thinking, ‘oh no’. Because no player wants to play against the likes of Wan-Bissaka,’ Owen told Premier League Productions.
‘His problem is obviously on the ball, going forward, but he’s improving that all the time.
‘That was Wan-Bissaka to a tee, that is the best part of his game that late, lunging tackle where he sweeps his leg around.
‘We could see it coming, if he [Zaha] takes his first touch across him, he takes Wan-Bissaka out of the game straight away, he doesn’t give him that chance to make a last-ditch tackle.
‘He played well, and in fact, Zaha switched sides during the first half because he wasn’t getting any joy out of Wan-Bissaka, and not many wingers do.
‘From Manchester United’s perspective, you need your full-backs to be brilliant not only at the back but also going forward, and that’s where he falls short.’
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