Wan-Bissaka's form affected by Manchester United, says England boss

England Under-21 manager Aidy Boothroyd says Manchester United’s pursuit of Aaron Wan-Bissaka has affected his form at the U21 European Championships.

Wan-Bissaka scored a nightmare own goal in the final seconds of England’s 2-1 defeat to France in their opening group game of this summer’s Euros. 

The Three Lions now face an uphill battle to progress to the knockout phase and Boothroyd has attributed Wan-Bissaka’s performance to on-going talks about a move to United.

“I could dodge it by saying ‘You have to ask him that’ but I won’t. I think when you are nearly going to move and all the things that would go through an older person’s head, who is more experienced in life, it would be difficult for them to cope with.” The Daily Telegraph quote Boothroyd as saying.

“For a young player who all he knows is Crystal Palace academy, Crystal Palace first team. It would be daft not to say that in some way he must think about it. I would not be truthful if I told you anything other than that.

“What I will say is because he doesn’t say too much so you don’t get to find out too much. Aaron keeps things to himself. He is a very private guy. When that speculation is flying around it is bound to turn your head. But having said all of that had he not scored the own goal we probably wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

Wan-Bissaka has emerged as one of the best full-backs in the Premier League since breaking into the Palace first-team 18 months ago and is now on the cusp of a £55m move to United.

The 21-year-old completed more tackles than any other defender in Europe’s top five leagues last season (129).