Ben White excelled at right-back for Arsenal last season (Photo: Getty)
Both of Manchester United’s right-backs Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are better than their Arsenal counterpart Ben White.
That is the opinion of legendary defender Rio Ferdinand as he debated the best Arsenal-United combined XI.
White was a key player for Mikel Arteta’s side last season as they came close to winning the Premier League title, though the England international rarely played in his preferred position.
Thanks to a combination of injuries and the sensational form of William Saliba, the centre-back operated almost exclusively on the right-side of defence, contributing two goals and five assists in 46 appearances.
The 25-year-old was extremely impressive but not one of league’s best according to Ferdinand, who told the SDS YouTube channel: ‘He’s not better than the two right-backs at Man United. No not for me.’
The Red Devils legend also ranked White behind his fellow Three Lions stars Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker.
‘I thought Ben White was solid but that’s it. I think that’s the one area of their [Arsenal’s] team where you look and think there is a room for a lot of improvement there, if they are going to challenge for more.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot will compete to be Man Utd’s starting right-back (Photo: Getty)
‘White may be better defensively, but I think going forward Dalot is better than him.’
Going into the new season, it remains to be seen where and if White will play given the arrival of Jurrien Timber who can also play centre-back and right-back.
The former Ajax man could also be moved over the left-back, with Sunday’s Community Shield against Manchester City likely to give us an indication of how Arteta wants to line his side up.
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As for United, though Erik ten Hag was looking to bring in a new right-back last season, he has changed his mind for now having bene impressed with the improvement both Dalot and Wan-Bissaka showed.
So far in pre-season, the latter has started more but there is likely to be plenty of rotation between the pair depending on the opposition given Dalot’s offensive talents and Wan-Bissaka’s sensational defensive abilities.
United kick their campaign off against Wolves on 14th August.
MORE : Manchester City legend says Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has an ‘advantage’ over Pep Guardiola
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‘I think he’s solid but that’s it.’
