Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could repeat his Luke Shaw trick to tackle the club's defensive injury crisis.
On Thursday, United squandered two decisive goals to draw 2-2 with Sevilla in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
An expensive evening saw United concede two late goals to Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire, while also losing Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane to injury.
Indeed, Martinez looked upset as he was helped off the field by Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuna of Sevilla after 86 minutes. The centre-back was then placed on a stretcher and taken to treatment. Varane was also sent off at half-time due to an injury that Ten Hag admitted the Frenchman had carried for weeks.
Although the severity of the respective injuries is unknown, United could be without their number one centre-back for a while.
And with Shaw also injured and Maguire suspended for United's FA Cup semi-final against Brighton after nine days, it would make Victor Lindelof United's only senior centre-back in that game. In turn, Ten Hag may need to get creative with his defenses.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka in central defence? One option would be for Ten Hag to use Aaron Wan-Bissaka at center back.
For most of the season, it looked as though Wan-Bissaka would leave Old Trafford as soon as possible at the earliest opportunity, after failing to make a mark under Ten Hag.
However, the 25-year-old has proven in recent months why he is rated as one of the best defensive full-backs in the league.
And having made Shaw a central defender this season, can Ten Hag repeat the trick with Wan-Bissaka? Indeed, if Crystal Palace's former side are restricted to the final third of the pitch, his defensive qualities are remarkable. According to AVisualGame, Wan-Bissaka has a win rate in 1v1 duels this season of 93.8%, the highest of any Premier League defender who has played more than 15 duels this season. .
Furthermore, Ten Hag enjoys his defenders progressing in the game, and Wan-Bissaka has become a much more accomplished defender under the Dutchman, as evidenced by his frequent kicks. defense against Sevilla.
Of course, the idea has been given before. The Sun claim United have considered using Wan-Bissaka in midfield during pre-season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to see how the player can handle the job.
And if Wan-Bissaka thrives at centre-back, United could save millions in the upcoming transfer market. Will Wan-Bissaka in the midfield position work?
While there is certainly evidence that Wan-Bissaka has the qualities to play effectively in the middle of a back four - or even on the right in a three-man defence - certain parts of his play are not. consistent with this position.
Despite being an excellent tackler and arguably the best one-on-one defender in the world, Wan-Bissaka may not be physically or energetic enough for effective aerial duels.
Indeed, according to the Premier League, he has made just 11 air strikes in the league this season, although in 12 appearances, all have been at right-back.
Also, Wan-Bissaka can be easily distracted on defense, something the league's most slick central defenders can take advantage of.
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