Aheed Abrar
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.
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.
“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.
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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.
