Meulensteen: Man Utd don’t need Trippier due to ‘excellent’ AWB
Former Man Utd coach Rene Meulensteen thinks the Red Devils don’t need Kieran Trippier due to the ‘excellent’ Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Wan-Bissaka has been the subject of criticism at times, forcing United to search for a new right back.
They are thought to be targeting Trippier, who joined Atletico Madrid from Spurs in 2019.
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Meulensteen has played down those rumours, saying that United don’t need him.
Asked if the Red Devils should submit a bid for Trippier, Meulensteen told Stadium Astro: “Not at the moment. It’s always good to have two players for a position because you need backup but Aaron Wan-Bissaka has done fantastically well.
“He’s young still, he’s very fit and learns every day in training. He is one of the best one-v-one defenders in the league and I’m sure the coaching staff are working hard with him on his game. He is there, for me, to stay for a long, long time. He was an excellent buy for United.”
Wan-Bissaka has featured 17 times in the Premier League this season. He’s registered one goal, during the 4-1 win over Newcastle in October.
His form has helped United’s defence to become more solid in recent weeks. Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are performing well at centre back, too.
On the other side of defence, Luke Shaw has had a recent resurgence. His form could see him return to the England squad this summer.
Speaking about Shaw, Meulensteen continued: “He has done very well. When Alex Telles came in, it spurred Luke on. There is a spring in his step, he is going forward again.
“We all know he has had some tough times at Man Utd, but it is great to see him playing at his best.”
The left back received plenty of criticism from previous manager Jose Mourinho. When asked about their managerial styles, Meulensteen said: “First of all I don’t think managers should publicly discuss players, never mind criticise them.
“Every human being performers better if they get praise and support in the right way. Every player has bad spells but the coaching staff are there to help him.
“It’s easy to criticise but the managers and staff have an obligation to improve players. Ole’s style has been different to Jose’s because he would never criticise players in public and he makes every player in his squad important. Ole is very clear about what Man Utd should be. That is the right way forward.”
