in , , , , , , , ,

Erik ten Hag retains hope that out of favour Man United star can compete for a starting spot

Erik ten Hag hopes Aaron Wan-Bissaka can provide competition to Diogo Dalot at Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag hopes Aaron Wan-Bissaka can provide competition to Diogo Dalot at Manchester United. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)

Erik ten Hag hopes Aaron Wan-Bissaka can provide competition to Diogo Dalot at Manchester United

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag wants Aaron Wan-Bissaka to provide competition to Diogo Dalot in the second half of the season. The Dutch manager hopes the 24-year-old can get back to full fitness soon.

The former Crystal Palace star has been pipped by the Portugal international in the pecking order. And the former FC Porto right-back has started every game in the current campaign under Ten Hag.

Wan-Bissaka has been relatively anonymous for most of the season. He has been afforded just four minutes of action on the pitch by the Dutch manager.

https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1586778966492413952?s=20&t=Fxdts3FCaaHNK1As3euBjg

The England U21 international made his switch from Selhurst Park to Old Trafford in the summer of 2019. It was the right-back’s defensive qualities that caught a lot of people’s attention.

And while he has been decent for the Red Devils over the years, the 24-year-old leaves a lot to be desired with his contribution in the final third. Thus, most fans have not been convinced by the former Palace star.

Speaking to the media via Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag cited injuries and illness as a reason for Wan-Bissaka’s extended absence from the team.

Erik ten Hag hopes Aaron Wan-Bissaka can provide competition to Diogo Dalot at Manchester United.
Erik ten Hag hopes Manchester United star Aaron Wan-Bissaka can regain full fitness. (Photo by MARTIN KEEP/AFP via Getty Images)

“Aaron Wan-Bissaka: he struggles as well but in a different side. Some injuries, some illnesses, so he was also often not available but doesn’t have a real big problem.

“So it’s about him to get really fit and to make competition with Diogo for the second half of the season.”

The England U21 international was on the sidelines for two months with an unspecified injury. However, he returned to the bench for the final Europa League group stage tie against Real Sociedad.

Unfortunately, the defender was not in the squad for the Premier League and Carabao Cup ties against Aston Villa. As a result, Dalot has been a constant in the starting lineup.

More Manchester United News

However, fatigue can be a real cause for concern for the Portuguese. And if Wan-Bissaka is not able to provide adequate back-up, it would be wise for United to scour the market for a replacement.

Written by Aheed Abrar

Erik ten Hag outlines why he likes French forward Anthony Martial at Manchester United.

“My way of playing”- Erik ten Hag extols virtues of talented 26-year-old Man United star

Manchester United player Alejandro Garnacho in action during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on November 10, 2022 in Manchester, England.

Barcelona keeping tabs on 18-year-old Manchester United starlet