Aaron Wan-Bissaka credits Erik ten Hag with improving his game

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka has explained how Erik ten Hag transformed his attacking game.

On his arrival, many assumed ten Hag would prefer Diogo Dalot leaving Wan-Bissaka out in the cold. It remained this way until after the World Cup, due to the perceived attacking deficiencies of Wan-Bissaka.

Dalot picked up an injury in Qatar, opening the door to the former Crystal Palace player to earn his place. Since getting a run in the team, improvement has been clear leaving ten Hag no choice but to rotate the two.

Wan-Bissaka has given credit for his improvement in more advanced positions to ten Hag and the detailed instructions he gives. Speaking exclusively with The Telegraph, Wan-Bissaka said:

“Growing up it was quite natural until I became a defender, so you forget a little because you are not in those areas again. So it is quite weird, you focus more on the defending side.

“It’s putting me in those positions to get used to it because there is a chance in the game when I have to be in those positions for myself or to make space for another player.”

While lacking the end product on his crossing delivery, Wan-Bissaka has improved ten-fold in his advanced play.

“I think it’s getting involved more in the higher part of the pitch, which is what the manager wants. That is what I’ve been giving him.

“Those crossing opportunities always come up in a game so you have to be prepared for them so you have to keep practising them and training them.”

On playing inverted

Wan-Bissaka has also shed light on the different roles he is asked to occupy under ten Hag. He explained that ten Hag prefers his full-backs to tuck into midfield, in an inverted full-back role. Alongside filling the traditional full-back role when required, the English full-back said:

“He wants the full-back and winger to be on opposite lines, so if one is outside, the other is inside. That is what has been happening in the games on both sides of the pitch.”

The defender noted that this was in order to create more space across the pitch at different times. For example when he inverts, it allows Antony to have an abundance of space.

In his glowing praise for his boss, Wan-Bissaka explained that ten Hag had raised the levels, demanding more from his side.

“He is demanding and it brings the best out of us.”

Thanks to his new found attacking prowess, Wan-Bissaka has made United’s right-back department the most stacked in the team. It probably stands as the only position along with wingers, that may not need attention this summer.