Case for defence of United’s special Wan
NEVILLE: PLAY TO HIS STRENGTHS
MAN UTD V C PALACE 5.30PM
GARY NEVILLE has claimed “oldfashioned” Aaron Wan- Bissaka will never be an attacking threat like Trent Alexander- Arnold – and the £ 50million right- back should focus on stopping goals not making them.
The Manchester United star has yet to score in 77 Premier League appearances and has provided only seven assists during his top- flight career.
By contrast, his rival for the England No2 shirt, Alexander- Arnold, provided 13 assists for Liverpool last season – second only to Kevin De Bruyne. But before Wan- Bissaka faces his former club Crystal Palace at Old Trafford today, Neville insisted United paid big money for a top- class defender and must play to his strengths. “Aaron should focus on his
defending and become a brilliant Manchester United full- back who keeps clean sheets,” said the Sky Sports analyst.
“Let’s concentrate on how he can support Manchester United becoming a winning team.
“The idea that because Trent Alexander- Arnold and Kyle Walker are two of the most outstanding attacking full- backs in Europe means Manchester United have to have one of the most outstanding attacking full- backs in Europe is not the case.
“I’ve seen Branislav Ivanovic and Cesar Azpilicueta be successful in the Premier League and they have been very different full- backs to the ones I’ve mentioned.
“Manchester United have invested £ 50m in him, so they have to work with what he does.
“Nowadays full- backs are expected to be wingers, score goals, set up goals, take free- kicks and penalties.
“He’s an outstanding defensive right- back and could be part of a back three. He’s a better defender than some attacking full- backs, so work on that.”
Neville acknowledged that WanBissaka, 22, could work on his passing and overlapping but needs help from his United team- mates.
“I have seen him get left isolated on the ball at Old Trafford,” added the eight- time Premier League winner.
“I always had three options, whether it was Beckham, Keane or Yorke, or whether it would be Carrick, Ronaldo and Rooney.
“He just needs to polish up serving into the forward players to start the attack.”
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