Michael Owen hails Aaron Wan-Bissaka display vs Wilfried Zaha after Manchester United’s draw with Crystal Palace

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Aaron Wan-Bissaka of Manchester United is challenged by Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park on January 18, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) — Aaron Wan-Bissaka impressed in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace (Getty)

Michael Owen believes no winger in the Premier League wants to face Aaron Wan-Bissaka after his impressive performance in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening.

Bruno Fernandes put United ahead in the second half but Michael Olise’s brilliant free kick rescued a point for Palace at Selhurst Park.

Patrick Vieira’s side had the chance to win it in the closing moments of the game as Zaha was put through on goal, but a superb recovery tackle from Wan-Bissaka stopped the Palace winger from getting his shot away.

Wan-Bissaka has struggled for playing time under Erik ten Hag this season and has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the January transfer window.

And while Owen has praised the 25-year-old’s defensive capabilities, he insists United need a right-back who is also capable of creating chances in the final third.

‘I think when the teamsheets came out Wilfried Zaha saw that Wan-Bissaka was going to be marking him in that game he would’ve been thinking, ‘oh no’. Because no player wants to play against the likes of Wan-Bissaka,’ Owen told Premier League Productions.

TOPSHOT - Manchester United's English defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka (R) tackles Crystal Palace's Ivorian striker Wilfried Zaha (C) as he runs with the ball towards the goal during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park in south London on January 18, 2023. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) — Aaron Wan-Bissaka produced a brilliant last-man tackle to deny Wilfried Zaha (AFP via Getty)

‘His problem is obviously on the ball, going forward, but he’s improving that all the time.

‘That was Wan-Bissaka to a tee, that is the best part of his game that late, lunging tackle where he sweeps his leg around.

‘We could see it coming, if he [Zaha] takes his first touch across him, he takes Wan-Bissaka out of the game straight away, he doesn’t give him that chance to make a last-ditch tackle.

‘He played well and in fact Zaha during the first half switched sides, he wasn’t getting any joy out of him and not many wingers do get joy out of Wan-Bissaka.

‘From Manchester United’s point of view, you need your full-backs to be brilliant at the back but going forward as well, and that’s slightly where he lacks.’

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