Aaron Wan-Bissaka has sent a timely reminder to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that he can do more than just tackle amid Manchester United ‘s continuing links with Kieran Trippier.
The Atletico Madrid right-back has emerged as one of Solskjaer’s top targets for the summer transfer window.
Trippier is thought to be ready to return to England following a two-year spell in the Spanish capital, where he has become a key player under Diego Simeone.
Aside from being forced to sit out 10 league games last season due to a betting violation, the 30-year-old was otherwise an ever-present in an Atletico side which ended a seven-year wait for a title.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is under pressure to show he can do more than simply tackle wingers
With Simeone employing a more attacking approach with his traditionally defensive-minded team, Trippier impressed, notching six assists as Atletico won La Liga.
Those attacking talents have drawn the eye of Solskjaer and United, who are looking for a player to push Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the starting place at right-back this season.
Wan-Bissaka has been the first-choice since he arrived from Crystal Palace, with Diogo Dalot failing to prove he can provide long-term competition to the Englishman.
The 23-year-old made 54 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils in the campaign just gone.
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But that is not to say that Wan-Bissaka has not faced criticism from some quarters for his suitability to United.
Wan-Bissaka is outstanding defensively, having won 174 defensive duels, made 182 recoveries and made the fifth highest number of tackles in the top-flight last season.
It is his attacking talents which have been called into question though, with the former Palace star having created only two big chances and sent in 60 crosses in the same period.
Luke Shaw at left-back meanwhile created seven big chances and produced 189 crosses for United last season.
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That has left some questioning whether Wan-Bissaka is the best man to play at right-back when United are playing against teams who deploy a low defensive block.
But amid the reports that the Red Devils are closing in on bringing Trippier to Old Trafford, Wan-Bissaka has attempted to show Solskjaer another side to his game.
Having failed to make the England squad for this summer’s Euro 2020 tournament, Wan-Bissaka has been in pre-season training with United’s other non-internationals.
Solskjaer’s side are currently in Surrey for a training camp and during one drill, Wan-Bissaka impressed team-mates and coaching staff alike.
The Englishman was on the defending side with Brandon Williams taking on Jesse Lingard down the left.
Williams beat the midfielder and sent in a cross, with Wan-Bissaka showcasing his aerial talents by heading the ball with the back of his head to deny Axel Tuanzebe.
The flying header delighted those watching on, with shouts of “Yes, Azza” heard around the training pitch.
Though it may not be enough to convince Solskjaer not to buy Trippier, it did give his manager a reminder that he is more than simply a one-v-one defender.
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