Mathew Cohen notes Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s inconsistency in 3-0 loss to Liverpool. 08.04. 2024

As Manchester United was thrashed 3-0 by Liverpool on Sunday, their defensive performance was appalling.

Although it was a friendly game, this loss was no less acrimonious, therefore undermining the conclusion of Man United’s US pre-season trip.

With United taking eighteen shots to Liverpool’s eight, the final score did not fully represent. It also so occurred that Liverpool’s goalie produced eight saves, preventing many strong shots from United.

United’s defense was sadly their weak point; Aaron Wan-Bissaka turned out to be among the worst players on the evening.

After Fabio Carvalho’s 10th-minute opener, United lagged behind until Curtis Jones slid his chance into the net from the end of a clever through play. Wan-Bissaka was assigned guarding Jones, but he struggled to keep up, allowing the Liverpool midfielder to just guide the ball goalward as he comfortably set foot on it.

Wan-Bissaka was once more at the core of United’s defensive shortcomings in the 61st minute. The rebound dropped to Konstantinos Tsimikas, Wan-Bissaka was assigned to mark, after Andre Onana brilliantly saved a menacing shot. Tsimikas left the United right-back dead after deftly turning the ball into the net.

Wan-Bissaka won five of his eight ground duels, thereby displaying some physical ability. Over the encounter, he was also only dribbled past once.

With 29 of 37 passes reaching their target for a 78% accuracy, the full-back’s passing game was mainly on point. Conversely, he missed his sole long ball of the game while completing only one of three attempted crossings.

Wan-Bissaka notably managed to create two vital passes, however neither of these had any ultimate consequence since United failed to score all through the game.

Looking at his defensive actions, the English defender had an okay game. He cleared one, made two tackles and two interceptions. Wan-Bissaka sadly missed vital moments to let Liverpool score, despite a reasonable degree of defensive activity.

Given Wan-Bissaka’s modest 57 touches during the game, one key area of concern was his losing of possession on 12 times.

Wan-Bissaka might be leaving for West Ham this summer, hence his thoughts seems to be already absent from United. Maybe United would be better off avoiding playing him if he is actually likely to leave this summer.