Multiple sources including Sky Sports and The Guardian suggest that Aaron Wan-Bissaka will be on his way to Manchester United this summer. The 21-year-old has not only been one of the most impressive young talents in the Premier League this season but his domestic nationality will also no doubt bring with it a huge price tag.
While it is often difficult to make a name for yourself as a defender in a team struggling for form and defensive solidity, Wan-Bissaka has managed to outshine his defensive compatriots at Crystal Palace. His pace, defensive talent, his marauding overlap and intelligence at such a young age make him one of the most sought after youngsters the Premier League has to offer.
Statistically, he is currently joint first with Ndidi of Leicester for tackles completed at 109 and joint sixth for interceptions. Of course, these stats should be naturally higher in a team competing at the bottom half of the table. However, the point still stands that at such a young age, Wan-Bissaka is thriving under the pressure and is performing beyond his current club. In fact, many strongly disagreed with Southgate’s decision to leave Wan-Bissaka out of the Euro qualifiers this month and instead choosing out of form Kieran Trippier.
Although Manchester United are currently knee deep in recruitment for many positions at the club (notably a technical director and many key players), they have delighted fans by finally securing a permanent manager on Thursday – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. With a manager to oversee recruitment alongside other key members of management, they can now move forward with plans for summer transfers. After all Manchester United need to keep up with their rivals who have secured signings months before the summer transfer window has even opened including Pulisic for Chelsea.
The above sources believe Manchester United are on the lookout for young English talent rather than spending big on European stars. Therefore alongside Wan-Bissaka, United are also after Jadon Sancho and Declan Rice. All of the aforementioned names will demand big money and chances are Wan-Bissaka will be the cheapest option due to his defensive nature and lack of international football thus far.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has almost had a free pass so far this season with expectations being set so low. Yet, the pressure will soon be mounting on Solskjaer if the right signings are not made. Not least because this will prolong a period of one too many unsuccessful signings made since David Moyes through to Jose Mourinho over a five year period. Of course, there are exceptions with the likes of Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Martial and Matic. Consequently, fans will be hoping Solskjaer announces some big signings to sure up United’s defence and join up with the likes of Pogba, Martial and Rashford in attack.