Erik ten Hag gives message of hope to Aaron Wan-Bissaka amid recent Manchester United form

Just a few weeks ago, it looked like the end was near for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with the full-back playing just four minutes of competitive football under Erik ten Hag before the World Cup.

Diogo Dalot had cemented his place as first-choice right-back for Manchester United, was collecting assists at the World Cup, and receiving plaudits from fans, pundits, and management alike.

Despite being the obvious first choice under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Wan-Bissaka lost prominence as Ralf Rangnick came in to try and correct the ship, and by the time Ten Hag took the reigns, the Englishman was far below the pecking order.

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However, with Dalot suffering a light injury while away with Portugal in Qatar and Wan-Bissaka getting a chance to impress the Dutch boss during the club’s training camp in Spain, Wan-Bissaka has found himself with the perfect opportunity to claw his way back into the side.

Performing brilliantly against both Burnley and Nottingham Forest in the two weeks, the man nicknamed “The Spider” for his unique slide-tackling ability, Wan-Bissaka has thrown his name back in the ring.

The United boss praised the play for his return to form and fitness ahead of the club’s Premier League fixture against Wolves, saying: “First you have to be on the pitch, and in the first half of the season he was either injured or ill so he didn’t have a role in the squad.

“So I think the break was good for him,” Ten Hag continued. “He returned, he was in the training camp in Spain and could play some games in preparation of the restart, and now he’s playing two games and he’s doing really well so I’m happy with his performance.

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“We need competition in the squad. He has to play games in the team and then he can develop, then he can grow.”

Whether or not Wan-Bissaka can reclaim his position in the Manchester United XI is yet to be seen, but with the player likely to start his third game in a row on Saturday as Dalot was not spotted in training, he has certainly made a quality opening argument.