Football 
Tennis 
Horse Racing Mikael Silvestre: AWB is not the best in the world when it comes to 1v1s
Manchester United are on course for a Champions League qualification spot but going into next season, there will be attention on improving the defence.
The Red Devils have conceded 39 goals in the league this season and have faced issues when it comes to defensive depth as well as in goal with David De Gea committing errors in buildup play, multiple times this season.
We got in touch with former Man Utd defensive stalwart, Mikael Silvestre, who explained why he feels United don’t need additions in defence, talked about Aaron Wan-Bissaka in 1-v-1s as well as David De Gea.
Wrong to say AWB is the best in one-v-ones – we need to see him against Vinicius Jr.
A player who has clawed his way back into the lineup is Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The former Crystal Palace man played second-fiddle to Diogo Dalot in the first half of the season but has reclaimed his spot as the starting right-back owing to some special performances where he has shut down opposing wingers, including the FA Cup semifinal against Brighton where he kept Kairou Mitoma quiet.
Fans and analysts have called Wan-Bissaka the best defender in one-v-one situations but Silvestre believes that giving him that moniker is premature.
The former French international said that AWN has had great duels against wingers but he needs to see him against higher quality wingers like Vinicius Jr.
“I don’t think we should say Wan Bissaka is the best in the world at 1v1 but over the years he’s had excellent battles against wingers.”
“I need to see him against Vinicius Junior.”
Silvestre also explained that Wan-Bissaka is far from the finished product as he needs to improve his zonal play and positioning.
“It’s good for AWB as he’s earned a starting spot and has a big part to play in the defensive side of things.”
“If his zonal defensive play and positioning was as good as his 1v1 ability he would be a complete defender. He still has some areas to improve.”
Manchester United are well-equipped in defence
While Man Utd fans are clamouring for transfers in defence, Silvestre believes that the Red Devils are well-equipped in that part of the pitch.
Silvestre points to forgotten man Eric Bailly, who’s currently on loan at Marseille, as a player who can add to the quality when he returns.
“I think the team is well equipped in central defence.”
“Eric Bailly still needs to come back from his loan. There’s enough quality.”
Despite concerns about Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof’s partnership, Silvestre thinks that they’re good competition to the first-choice pair of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.
“My favourite partnership is Martinez and Varane. Maguire and Lindelof are also high competition so for me it’s good enough.”
Defensively, Lindelof and Maguire are on the same level but the Swede is a better passer
Expanding on the Lindelof-Maguire partnership, Silvestre said that they’re on the same level when it comes to defensive awareness. When it comes to playing in a high line, he favoured the Swede as he is better at passing forward.
“Lindelof has an edge on Harry when it comes to passing the ball forward. Within the game I think he’s better suited to playing a high line than Harry is.”
“Defensively I put them on the same level.”
“It’s a close call but it’s good to have Lindelof fully committed in this crucial time.”
Ten Hag has also experimented with Luke Shaw as a centre-back and it has paid dividends but according to Silvestre, Shaw is better suited to being a left-back.
“He’s good in 1vs1 and going forward he has so much ability in terms of passes and deliveries in the box.”
“For me he’s best suited to playing as a left back.”
David De Gea still has the ability to be Man Utd’s No. 1
A major area of concern for Erik ten Hag has been David De Gea. The Spaniard’s weakness with the ball at his feet has caused issues in the build-up play that ten Hag wants to implement.
De Gea, however, is still leading the Premier League Golden Glove standings with 15 clean sheets.
With rumours of a contract extension coming his way, fans are torn whether to stick with De Gea or look for a goalkeeper who can contribute to the build up play.
Silvestre believes that De Gea still has the ability to be Man Utd’s No. 1 and he also possesses the will to bounce back from low points.
“David always finds a way to bounce back so I’m not concerned about his ability. His general performances show he still has the ability to play for Manchester United and be the number one choice.”
“No (when asked if Manchester United should look to replace David De Gea).”
“I think if you look at all the goalkeepers in the league and in the top six they’ve all had a difficult time and difficult games.”
