Rio Ferdinand agrees with James Maddison assessment of Manchester United star

Rio Ferdinand insists Aaron Wan-Bissaka is 'as good as anyone' in defensive situations after the Manchester United right-back kept Kaoru Mitoma quiet in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final.

United booked their place in a second final of the season after beating Brighton 7-6 on penalties, following a 0-0 draw inside 120 minutes. A cagey affair saw Roberto De Zerbi's side dominate possession but create little in terms of clear-cut chances, having been largely kept at bay by the Reds.

Key to United's defensive strength was Wan-Bissaka, who was handed the unenviable task of marking Mitoma. The Japanese international has been one of the Premier League's most exciting wingers this season but found next to no joy at Wembley.

ALSO READ: 'Best in the world' - James Maddison's incredible Aaron Wan-Bissaka claim

"I think Wan-Bissaka for me [was the stand-out player]," Ferdinand told FIVE. "Mitoma has been the find of the season for me, he has given every team they have played against huge problems. And to be fair to Wan-Bissaka, he put the shackles on him.

"And we all know how good defensively one vs one Wan-Bissaka is and today he proved again he can handle top class players in good form. When it is me against you, he is as good as anyone out there."

Ferdinand's praise echoes that of Leicester City midfielder James Maddison, who took to social media after the initial 90 minutes were up to praise the Reds defender.

He posted: "AWB is ridiculously good at one-v-one defending. Probably the best in the world bar none. So many wingers run out of ideas when playing directly against him."

The 25-year-old's resurgence in recent weeks may have handed Erik ten Hag a dilemma for the summer, with the Dutchman eyeing a new right-back and therefore