Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Crystal Palace sizing up surprise Man Utd raid to give expensive flop shot at redemption

Man Utd defenders Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire

The career of Aaron Wan-Bissaka could come full circle this summer after a report claimed a move back to Crystal Palace could be on the cards.

The right-back, 24, was once viewed as one of the country’s most promising right-backs in the latter part of the last decade. Wan-Bissaka was known as a defensive brick wall down the right when becoming an attacker’s worst nightmare at Crystal Palace.

That led to a £50m move to Manchester United in 2019, though after a bright start to life at Old Trafford, Wan-Bissaka’s career has now stalled.

His first two seasons at United saw established as the undisputed No 1 at right-back. However, when Diogo Dalot was retained for the current campaign, his place came under threat.

Wan-Bissaka has always struggled to influence the game in an attacking sense. His bread and butter was his defensive prowess, though that began to falter under Ralf Rangnick.

Indeed, Dalot has split time with Wan-Bissaka under the German and doubts are beginning to emerge over his long-term future in Manchester.

The Athletic report former club Crystal Palace are mulling a summer swoop for the defender.

It’s stressed any potential move is in its infancy at present. However, it’s believed a move would centre on a loan capture, rather than permanent deal.

Ten Hag must assess Wan-Bissaka first

It’s hinted a decision from United’s end won’t be made until incoming boss Erik ten Hag is officially installed. The Dutchman is yet to fully assess the squad he’s inheriting. That means a Wan-Bissaka exit – if one happened – would likely come late in pre-season.

The Eagles are on the hunt for an upgrade at right-back and Wan-Bissaka is under consideration.

Nathaniel Clyne and Joel Ward currently occupy the position most weeks and neither have put a foot wrong of late.

However, Palace boss Vieira is aiming to have intense competition for places throughout his squad. Wan-Bissaka’s arrival would put him in direct competition with Clyne and allow Ward to deputise for Tyrick Mitchell on the left.

There is no indication as to whether Wan-Bissaka would entertain a move away from Old Trafford. However, his England ambitions could impact his thinking.

Wan-Bissaka has fallen way down the pecking order at right-back. The likes of Reece James, Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all ahead at present. What’s more, the likes of Tariq Lamptey and Valentino Livramento will push that quartet for games in the coming years.

If Wan-Bissaka isn’t featuring week in, week out at United, his chances of regaining his England place will remain slim.

Consistent minutes at Selhurst Park may be easier to come by. What’s more, Jesse Lingard’s loan to West Ham last year showed what a change of scenery can do for a struggling star.