Ryan Giggs reacts after Erik ten Hag sanctioned Man Utd transfer for 'one of league's best'
Manchester United's defence underwent a revamp this summer, as three big names were brought in while Aaron Wan-Bissaka – dubbed one of the league's best defenders – was sacrificed
Manchester United icon Ryan Giggs has labelled Aaron Wan-Bissaka one of the Premier League's best defenders following his recent transfer to West Ham.
Erik ten Hag's United defence has been revolutionised this summer. £58million was splashed out on Leny Yoro, who sadly suffered a foot injury that will sideline him for three months, while experienced stars Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui arrived from Bayern Munich.
Mazraoui, who impressed in United’s opening night 1-0 home win against Fulham, saw his move stem from the sale of fellow right-back Wan-Bissaka, who was deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and sold to the Hammers for just £15m after initially costing the Red Devils £50m to sign from Crystal Palace back in 2019.
Red Devils legend Giggs was quick to praise the departing 26-year-old. And he admitted how he would hate to face the player one-on-one and would have a tough time against him out wide.
READ MORE: Transfer news RECAP: Man Utd make Ugarte offer, Liverpool deal, Arsenal near Merino signingREAD MORE: Sky Sports fans can save £216 on their bill, here's three other reasons you'll want to pick it"I would've stayed away from him, especially later on in my career," Giggs told the Webby & O'Neill YouTube channel when discussing the recently departed Wan-Bissaka.
"I would've tried to take him places he didn't want to go because, one on one, I think he's one of the best in the league. Over the 90, he's very tough to play against."
The right-back made the switch to United five years ago after impressing during his breakout campaign at Palace, earning their Player of the Year award.
The £50m paid for his services five years ago was questionable at the time, considering the now-26-year-old had played just a single Premier League season, but he was a solid member of the squad down the years and the model pro. However, Wan-Bissaka couldn't quite kick on enough in Manchester – at least in terms of his attacking attributes – despite the promise he held on arrival.
He did play nearly 200 times for United, impressing with the exquisite tackling and almost unheralded one-on-one ability that Giggs recalled. Still, Ten Hag saw an upgrade in new Moroccan full-back Mazraoui, and Wan-Bissaka headed home to London, where he is yet to make his debut after remaining on the bench as Julen Lopetegui's side suffered a 2-1 opening loss to Aston Villa.
“It was a no-brainer for me to join West Ham – I’m excited and happy to be here,” said Wan-Bissaka after he made his Hammers switch. "It’s an amazing feeling to be back in London, and I’m excited for what’s coming.
"I was born here, so I know the ins and outs of London, which plays a big part in my life, so to be back playing in this city means a lot to me. I’m happy to be here, grateful for the warm welcome, and excited to be playing for the Club. I will give it my all.
“I can’t wait to get on the pitch, get to know the players, and push on from there. I see a team that is in it together, that will push each other to win, and a group that has got each others' backs through thick and thin, so being part of that and having that insurance helps a lot when you are surrounded by a good squad.”
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