Why Man United May Not Miss Valencia After Departure

Antonio Valencia‘s anticipated Manchester United departure at the end of the season might not cause supporters to shed too many tears, with his sporadic showings this season an anti-climactic end to a solid career for a valued first-team asset.

Although the Ecuadorian has not been that missed by United fans this season, it is still crucial that he is replaced when United’s summer transfer business comes around.

The mere suggestion of signing a new right-back might rightfully send alarm bells ringing in the minds of many supporters, after all Diogo Dalot has been one of the most promising players in recent weeks.

However, even the most cynical fan might be persuaded in making an exception for a player as exciting as Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Even a die hard member of the Dalot fan club needn’t worry about such a proposition, because there might be a way for both to prosper at United going forward.

Wan-Bissaka could come straight into the starting line up and develop under the watchful eye of Ashley Young, while Diogo Dalot’s superior versatility and physicality would offer him the prospect of supplementing the attack, as well as covering at left-back for Luke Shaw.

It’s true this attacking prowess is something which the Crystal Palace sensation is more than familiar with himself, after all he did begin his life as a right winger before steadily being cultivated into one of Europe’s most exciting defensive talents.

Not only does Wan-Bissaka possess the raw athletic pace which has seen him make a flawless transition to Premier League football but the 21-year-old will also have a full season of experience at the top-level under his belt.

Certainly he has not faced the same scrutiny which comes with the job description of representing United, but he has proven himself time and time again against some of the most potent attacking teams in Europe.

Crystal Palace would understandably be reluctant to lose one of their most talented youth products in recent years to a domestic rival and reports suggest a bid of nearly £40million might be needed if any side wishes to recruit him this summer.

United’s priorities will no doubt lie at centre-back in the coming months, but the progress of Bissaka will be something Ed Woodward needs to keep a close eye on.

Even if the club did not move for him this year the necessity to sign a new full-back will only be amplified with every passing month as Young approaches the end of his current contract in the summer of 2020.

Wan-Bissaka might not come cheap, but he could be the man required to bring stability to a right hand side which has lacked stardust over the past few seasons. United would just need to ensure they don’t overawe the converted right winger with the pressure of the number seven shirt.

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