Erik ten Hag has assessed Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s return to action for Manchester United.
In recent months, it has looked increasingly likely that Wan-Bissaka would depart the club after seemingly falling out of favour under the Dutchman.
Before the World Cup, the defender had made just one four-minute cameo all season. He had been linked with moves to West Ham United, Wolves and his former club Crystal Palace.
Now, it appears as though Wan-Bissaka will be staying put, for the meantime anyway, and fighting for his place at right-back after making two consecutive starts in the position.
He has been deployed in the absence of Diogo Dalot, who sustained an injury on international duty for Portugal.
Despite not experiencing regular game time for the first half of the campaign, Wan-Bissaka’s performances against Burnley and Nottingham Forest were faultless. He has kept two clean sheets and looked as confident as ever.
Ten Hag on Wan-Bissaka
Ten Hag discussed Wan-Bissaka to MUTV today in his pre-match press conference, saying: “First, you have to be on the pitch and in the first half of the season he was either injured or ill, so you don’t have a role in the squad. I think the break was good for him.
“He returned, he was in the training camp in Spain, he could play some [friendly] games in preparation for the restart.
The boss believes @AWBissaka's form has benefitted from the #WorldCup break 🙌#MUFC || #WOLMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 30, 2022
Now he has played two games and is doing really well, so I’m happy with his performances. We needed that competition in the squad.”