Man United’s Right-backs are… Different

Let’s talk about Wan-Bissaka, Dalot… And Sherlock Holmes

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There has been no shortage of Sherlock Holmes adaptations over the years. You’ve probably seen many versions of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective, from the big screen to the small screen. But the one that caught my eye was Guy Ritchie’s 2009 epic, starring Robert Downey Jr. as the titular detective and Jude Law as his trusty sidekick, Dr. John Watson. Ritchie’s films aren’t exactly known for being the most emotionally driven, but this particular take on the 19th-century detective was interesting.

Holmes was one of those rare prodigies — the type of person who possessed exceptional analytical skills and an impeccable eye for detail. Watson was not much of a detective, but he was far more than he seemed.

“Never theorize before you have data. Invariably, you end up twisting facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.” — Sherlock Holmes

Together, they formed a very unlikely duo, each bringing their unique skills to the table. It was a partnership that defied convention, one that relied on the strengths of one to counterbalance the weaknesses of the other. and it worked.

Now, I want you to take a moment and think about Aaron Wan-Bissaka as Holmes and Diogo Dalot as Watson. It’s a tough comparison, I know. After all, both fullbacks play the exact same position, except in rare cases when they both have to start. But if you can wrap your head around this analogy, this piece will make much more sense.

You’re probably wondering how two players who never even play together and are essentially fighting for the same position can somehow form a partnership. It’s a fair question, but believe it or not, Erik Ten Hag has already answered it multiple times throughout the season.

Back in 1975, the United States and the Soviet Union were in the midst of the Cold War — you know, that whole nuclear arms race thing. Tensions were high, and the two nations were pretty much mortal enemies. But, despite all of that, they managed to come together and achieve something impressive: the first manned international space flight.

So, if these two superpowers can put aside their differences and work towards a common goal, why can’t direct “rivals” on a pitch do the same? It’s not impossible.

Both right-backs have had varying levels of playtime this season. Wan-Bissaka has only played 13 league games, totaling 919 minutes, while Dalot has played 21 games for a whopping 1790 minutes.

At the start of the season, Dalot was Ten Hag’s top pick, leaving Wan-Bissaka on the bench most times. It wasn’t until Man United’s EFL Cup match against Burnley, where Wan-Bissaka assisted Christian Eriksen’s opening goal, that he was given a chance to earn back his starting position. But it was the 2–1 victory against Liverpool at Old Trafford we got a glimpse of Ten Hag’s plans for both players, even though we didn’t know it at the time.

Dalot started the game and helped Man United secure a two-goal lead until the 81st minute when Mohamed Salah scored for Liverpool. In a very calculated move that somehow went under the radar, Ten Hag brought in Wan-Bissaka to replace Dalot, who played well, to see out the game, and it worked. United won.

Interestingly, the last time Wan-Bissaka started a game was against Liverpool last season in a crushing 4–0 loss under Ralf Rangnick. Ironically, both fullbacks were on the pitch that day.

The question is: how do managers and fans judge fullbacks, and what qualities do they value the most? It all comes down to what they want from their team. Usually, if a team’s primary focus is on maintaining a solid defensive shape, they will value fullbacks who can shut down opposition attackers and prevent goals. These players may not be as involved in the team’s attack, but their defensive prowess can be the difference between winning and losing.

When evaluating the performance of fullbacks, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. It all depends on what a manager is looking for. But finding a fullback who can excel at both offensive and defensive duties is pretty rare. There are only a handful of fullbacks in the world who can perform at an elite level in both areas. It’s why managers often try to play to the strengths of their fullbacks, tailoring their tactics to suit the abilities of the kind of players they have. But Ten Hag has managed to find a bit of both in two different right-backs.

Football has always been a game of strategy, where the most minor details can make the biggest difference. And nowhere is that more evident than in fullbacks. Dalot and Wan-Bissaka, on paper, are very different players. Dalot is known for his long-range passing, while Wan-Bissaka is a master of defence and 1v1 duels. But what Ten Hag has done is recognise that both of these players bring something unique to the team at varying times during the game.

By starting Dalot in games where United were expected to play against a low block, ten Hag could take advantage of his long-range passes and technical qualities on the ball. Dalot also tends to shoot from distance, which can be unnerving for the opposition.

But when the left side of the opposition was expected to cause a problem, Ten Hag turned to Wan-Bissaka. Players like Allan Saint-Maximin, Kaoru Mitoma, Phil Foden, and Wilfried Zaha are known for their trickery on the flanks, and Wan-Bissaka is the perfect player to shut them down, and he has, sometimes more than once. His defensive prowess is essentially unmatched, and he has a knack for getting in the way of even the most skilful wingers.

But rather than relying solely on one fullback or the other, Ten Hag found a way to leverage their strengths. By starting both Dalot and Wan-Bissaka in the same position, he created a hybrid player that can adapt to any situation. Think of both right-backs as the same players who use different skill sets in different situations.

When it comes to the playing styles of both fullbacks, there’s a lot that goes unseen by the casual observer. Yes, they make underlapping and overlapping runs, but the nuances of their positioning, movement and decision-making can vary greatly.

For Wan-Bissaka, he’s established himself as one of the best one-on-one defenders in the Premier League, with the best win percentage in 1v1 duels in the League. But what usually goes unnoticed is his ability to disrupt the opposition’s backline with his movement both on and off the ball.

We rarely see the full extent of his attacking contributions on a stat sheet. His movements are subtle and difficult to measure in numbers, but they’re no less effective. When he makes diagonal runs into the half-spaces, it creates space for his teammate — usually Antony — to run down the flank and create overloads in the wide areas. This is especially effective when playing with a winger who loves to hold the width and take on players.

But it’s not just his diagonal runs that cause problems for the opposition. He also makes overlapping runs around the outside of the winger, which provides an additional passing option on the overlap or a cross into the box. These runs are often decoys, but they’re enough to throw off the opposition’s backline and create some confusion in their defensive structure.

In many ways, this is the opposite of what Dalot does. And you know what they say, “opposites attract.” And in football, that couldn’t be more true for their roles. Sure, on paper, they have similar tactical responsibilities, but their approaches couldn’t be more different.

The Portuguese international likes to get in the thick of it and get on the ball as often as possible. You’ll see him drifting towards the middle third of the pitch, ready to make his mark. Much like Wan-Bissaka does, he likes to underlap when the right winger’s hugging the touchline or overlap when the winger slides into the half-spaces. But where he shines is when he’s lurking on the edge of the box, waiting to pounce on loose balls and spring a counter-press when the team loses possession.

So do Manchester United need a new right-back? I’m leaning heavily towards a resounding “no.” At least not at the moment. Yes, United could use some reinforcements in their backline. But the right-back position doesn’t seem to be the most pressing concern. They still need a centre forward, another technical midfielder, a Casemiro understudy, and a goalkeeper.

Of course, Ten Hag may have a different view on the matter. He could have identified a right-back target who he believes can elevate United’s overall performance. But given the team’s needs, spending a significant amount of money on a right-back would be a questionable move.

If you’re hoping for Dalot and Wan-Bissaka to dish out 48 assists across two seasons, I’m sorry to break it to you; that’s a pipe dream. It’s practically unattainable. Yes, we’ve seen the likes of Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who have “revolutionized” — and I’m using that word loosely here — the role of fullbacks, but they’re not the standard; they were the exception. Their success largely came from Jurgen Klopp’s tactical tweaks, which allowed them to focus on creative duties while the midfielders handled most of the defensive workload. It’s not a universal formula. In fact, it’s been found out.

Unpredictability and dynamism are two qualities that every successful team needs, and they happen to be precisely what Dalot and Wan-Bissaka can bring. But what’s interesting about this whole thing is the dynamic between these two right-backs. Even though we all love a good rivalry, it’s not as straightforward as that. Of course, there’s always the possibility of a new right-back signing, which only adds more uncertainty to the situation. But one thing’s for sure: for now, Ten Hag has found a way to leverage the qualities of both players, and to an extent, it seems to be working.

I’ll end this with a note on Wan-Bissaka’s biomechanics, which usually involve a low stance, a wide stance, and an emphasis on his long legs. I think his unique technique sets him apart and gives him an edge over the opposition. His movements are not the smooth and calculated motions of his peers, but rather something more fluid and unpredictable. His feet glide across the pitch with a grace and fluidity that is actually mesmerizing to watch. And yet, there is a raw power to it, a sense of controlled chaos. His unusual biomechanics are a strength. It allows him to make sudden changes of direction and evade defenders with ease, which is a huge asset in the fast-paced world of modern football.

What’s more, there are very few players in world football who can match Wan-Bissaka’s profile. His speed, agility, and defensive prowess make him an invaluable asset to the team. So I still think letting go of a player with such rare talent and potential would be a grave mistake. But ultimately, these are decisions for managers, or are they?