Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
Sport
George Bennett

Solskjaer, Ferdinand and Scholes verdict on 'top fullback' Wan-Bissaka amid Leeds United links

Leeds are among a number of clubs interested in 'out-of-favour' Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, according to 90Min. Wan-Bissaka has fallen down down the pecking order at Old Trafford and Leeds have surprisingly emerged as a possible candidate to sign him next month.

Wan-Bissaka arrived at Man United with a weight of expectation on his shoulders after sealing a £50 million switch from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2019. The former England under-21 international had just been named Crystal Palace Player of the Year and played 39 times for the Eagles during his breakthrough season.

The 25-year-old quickly racked up 100 appearances in his first two seasons under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. However, Wan-Bissaka featured less regularly under Ralf Rangnick, and has been reduced to just one appearance under Erik ten Hag.

Leeds have Rasmus Kristensen and Luke Ayling as right-back options, as well as youngster Cody Drameh, although his future remains uncertain. But in the wake of the Whites' being linked with Wan-Bissaka, here is what those close to the defender and Man United have said about him...

READ MORE: Two Leeds United players make the difference against Real Sociedad following Jack Harrison issue

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Solskjaer revealed to manutd.com in January 2021: I think Aaron is one of the best one-against-one defensive full-backs in the world. “I think he’s getting better and better on the ball, he doesn’t give the ball away a lot.

“He’s not been asked to venture forward much earlier in his career,” Ole said. “Last season was a learning one for him. You see Luke who is two or three years older and he is really hitting good form now.

"Aaron, of course, has the time ahead of him and we’ll give him time. In a year or two you’ll see a top, top full-back there.”

Roy Hodgson

Hodgson told Crystal Palace's website (via GOAL) in May 2019: "He’s been very good, there’s no doubt about that and the fact is that we have no influence on their voting so of course they got it right. He’s had a very, very good season.

"I don’t think he’s the only player [who has enjoyed a good season]. There are quite a few players in our team who can stand up and say it’s been a very good season for Crystal Palace and we’ve played our part."

Rio Ferdinand

Ferdinand admitted on BT Sport (via MEN) in December 2021: "We’ve always seen number 8s or midfielders in Premier League history and we’ve watched football for years. Central midfielders are the conductors, but at the moment, players who get the majority of touches are the full-backs.

"You have to be good at receiving the ball and good at playing over various distances and that’s where Wan-Bissaka, if you’re talking about the top right-backs in the country, falls short.

"What is there for him is that he can see what he needs to work on and sometimes that's hard for people to identify, what they need to work on - but it’s there."

Paul Scholes

Scholes told Premier League Productions (via the Mirror) in November 2021: "I said before the 3-5-2 doesn't suit the players in the team. Wan-Bissaka is useless on the ball — brilliant defender but useless on the ball at right-back."

READ NEXT

Leeds United supporters have their say after 'amazing' Real Sociedad friendly win

Jesse Marsch's Leeds United promise to critics to 'change perceptions' amid 'too positive' comments

Angers president's Azzedine Ounahi future admission amid Leeds United and Andrea Radrizzani interest

‘Surprised me’ - Luis Enrique highlights ‘exhausted’ Morocco star who is perfect for Leeds United

International boss puts Leeds United man at centre of Barcelona legend's succession plan

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.