Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Man Utd transfer news: How starting XI could look with Wan-Bissaka – but not at right-back
MANCHESTER UNITED look set to welcome Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Old Trafford after reportedly agreeing a £55million deal, but how will the youngster fit into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans?
Man Utd: Pundits discuss Aaron Wan-Bissaka's transfer fee
Manchester United are close to sealing a deal for Crystal Palace defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka after making an improved third bid for the 21-year-old.
Wan-Bissaka enjoyed a breakthrough season at Selhurst Park and was the subject of an initial £40million offer from United at the start of the summer.
Palace rejected the bid then snubbed another £50m approach because the offers included substantial add-ons, but now appear to be relenting according to the Daily Record.
Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is planning a serious overhaul of his squad this summer, with Wan-Bissaka expected to be the second new arrival after Daniel James.
Veteran Antonio Valencia was allowed to leave the club for free this summer while Ashley Young experienced a sharp drop-off in form towards the end of the 2018/19 campaign, prompting the need for right-sided defensive reinforcements.
Diogo Dalot is the only other option for Solskjaer at right-back in a traditional four-man defence, so Wan-Bissaka would be expected to come in ahead of the Portuguese winger.
And while the England U21 international could slot straight into the starting XI, United may look to utilise his athleticism in an alternative position.
A switch to a fluid back five, such as has been adopted by Arsenal and Tottenham on occasion last season, would allow Wan-Bissaka to maraud down the touchline as a right wing-back.
Three central defenders consisting of Victor Lindelof, a new summer signing such as Kalidou Koulibaly and one of Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling or Phil Jones would give Solskjaer greater solidity at the back.
Luke Shaw would provide width and, along with Wan-Bissaka, help support United’s attacking unit which is likely to feature Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and potentially James.
Jesse Lingard is also an option in the front three while Juan Mata has been handed a new contract, although Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez are both expected to move on this summer.
Meanwhile, Paul Pogba could be partnered by Scott McTominay in central midfield with the youngster ahead of Fred and Nemanja Matic in the pecking order, although the French World Cup winner has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford.
Man Utd: Ray Parlour discusses Paul Pogba wanting to leave
Manchester United predicted line-up with Aaron Wan-Bissaka
(5-2-3): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Bailly, Smalling, Shaw; McTominay, Pogba; James, Martial, Rashford