Wan-Bissaka could frustrate Brighton again. The Englishman was particularly impressive in their most recent meeting.
Later today, Manchester United will play Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex in an effort to continue their quest for Champions League qualification. The Seagulls have won the last two meetings between the two teams in the Premier League.
However, the Old Trafford team won the most recent FA Cup semi-final match against Roberto De Zerbi’s team thanks to a penalty conversion by Victor Lindelof after an agonizing Solly March miss.
The Red Devils were required to put on a spirited performance against the south coast side, and only that misplaced spot-kick from the Englishman could separate the two teams in that round of 16 matchup.
Since the game is expected to be close once more, Erik ten Hag might decide to start Aaron Wan-Bissaka again because the £50 million player performed well against their opponents today at Wembley.
While there are still concerns about the 25-year-old’s long-term future at the Theatre of Dreams, there have been recent rumors that he might be sold if the team can find a more attack-minded replacement. Nevertheless, the Englishman has shown in recent months that he can be a more than valuable asset to Ten Hag in the short-term, at least.
The energetic Kaoru Mitoma was at Wembley, and Wan-Bissaka, a former member of Crystal Palace, rose to the challenge of trying to contain him. Mitoma later referred to Wan-Bissaka as a ‘strong opponent’ after that engaging match.
The Leicester City playmaker James Maddison later tweeted during the game that the full-back is “probably the best in the world” at one-on-one defending after the United star made a notable sliding challenge to deny the Japanese winger at one point.
The defensive ‘monster’, as talent scout Jacke Kulig had previously referred to him, managed to repeatedly frustrate Mitoma and company while winning seven out of his eight total duels.
The 6 foot menace provided a rare threat in an offensive sense during that ‘impressive’ and “composed” performance, according to Jamie Jackson of The Guardian. He completed all four of his attempted dribbles, including one that Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News described as “spirited” down the right flank.
After starting in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur just a few days prior, the Croydon-born machine missed the weekend victory over Aston Villa. However, now might be a good time for him to be thrown right back into the action from the beginning, helping to keep Mitoma at bay once more.
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Alejandro Garnacho is out for Man United’s game against Brighton
According to Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho is not “available” for tonight’s Premier League match against Brighton and Hove Albion.
What recent medical updates are there on Garnacho?
The 1-0 victory over Aston Villa will give the Red Devils plenty of motivation going into this game, and they will be hoping to repeat that result. However, they will have to do so without the assistance of the 18-year-old starlet.
The Argentine joined the U18s at Old Trafford back in 2020, and is now enjoying his first season playing for the senior first team, having made 31 appearances so far. However, he recently underwent a period of injury recovery.
The winger for Ten Hag last played in the Premier League against Southampton on March 12 when he was forced off the field after just 17 minutes due to an ankle injury. According to Transfermarkt, he has missed 50 days, or more specifically, 11 matches, due to the injury.
Despite hopes that Garnacho would play against Aston Villa last weekend, let alone tonight, Ten Hag stated during the pre-game press conference on Wednesday that Garnacho is still ruled out of action. The official website of Manchester United cited his words as follows:
“I believe we have one training [session], but I believe it is too early to schedule it. He might be under-fit, in my opinion. I believe he needs some instruction before becoming readily available. ”
Will Man United suffer because of Garnacho’s absence?
It will undoubtedly be a huge blow for Ten Hag to not have Garnacho available for selection for tonight’s trip to The Amex because Manchester United will know they have a real gem on their hands in Garnacho, who has already been praised as a ‘class act’ by journalist Josh Bunting.
The native of Madrid has contributed to 43 goals (27 goals and 16 assists) in 85 games across all levels since signing a contract at Old Trafford, including 11 in 32 games in all competitions this season alone.
By ranking in the 98th percentile for the number of touches in the attacking penalty area and the 96th for progressive passes received, the £50k per week ace knows how to get himself in the best positions in and around the opposition box, according to FBRef. Even though he isn’t always scoring, the ace is constantly trying to make the magic happen in the final third. His return to action should happen as soon as possible.
