Clinton Morrison: Aaron Wan-Bissaka can overcome struggles at Manchester United

Former Crystal Palace and Ireland striker Clinton Morrison has told that Manchester United's struggles are affecting the form of right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Reflecting on Wan-Bissaka's emergence as a youngster at Palace, Morrison said: "I tipped him to get a call-up to the England squad because he was doing so well for Palace and I thought when he went to Manchester United, with the coaches they have, they would improve his game.

"But when the team isn't playing well, that does have a big effect on him. Against Manchester City last weekend, that wasn't the Aaron Wan-Bissaka that I saw at Crystal Palace. He is struggling at the moment. He just needs to concentrate, get his head down and try to make it work at United because it's one of the biggest clubs around.

"I know him personally and I know it's a struggle right now but he's strong enough mentally to get over it, he'll block out the noise. I think he needs a manager who will come in and help him improve his game because there are some faults there he needs to improve. Hopefully it works out for him at United."

This season Morrison has been impressed by several of the younger players in the Palace squad, particularly exciting winger Michael Olise.

"He's just turned 20 and he has massive potential," he said. "I think in years to come he could play for England. He's so smooth with the football, it doesn't even look like he's running at pace, but he beats his full-backs constantly.

"He probably didn't think he'd play that much this season, but he's adapted well and I think Gareth Southgate is keeping half an eye on him.

"What we have to realise with Olise is that there's a lot of other countries that he can represent. France is an option – obviously with Patrick Vieira at Palace he might be giving him a nudge that way – but England don't want to miss out on a talent like Olise, that's for sure."

Left-back Tyrick Mitchell has also had a breakthrough season at Selhurst Park and Morrison said: "This kid has got everything. He's improved going forward and when he is defending one on one, not many wingers beat him on the outside.

"He still needs to open up his body and check his shoulders more, but he's a young man and he's new to the Premier League. This is his first full season playing regularly and he's an outstanding young prospect."

However, the biggest star at Palace remains Wilfried Zaha, whose contract is due to expire next year. "If I'm the chairman of Crystal Palace, then I'm offering him a new three-year or four-year deal and trying to keep him for the rest of his career," Morrison said.

"I feel with Vieira there, they've got a great opportunity of keeping Zaha because I think he will improve him. Even at his age, he can still get better, you never stop learning until you're finished playing.

"We've heard Vieira say recently how good he's been off the ball. Everyone knows how good Wilfried Zaha is on the ball, but off the ball is just as important and there has been an improvement in that sense.

"Hopefully he will stay at this football club because he looks as if he's enjoying it at the moment and it'll help some of the youngsters there as well.

"There's Olise, who's been outstanding, Conor Gallagher, who I know is a Chelsea player, but if they can keep him for another year, and then Eberechi Eze as well.

"There's a lot of talented youngsters who look up to Zaha so, personally, I'd be offering him a new contract and hoping he sees out his career at Palace."

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