Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s future is at stake against Burnley, he must play like it

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Manchester United return to action against Burnley this week in the Carabao Cup fourth round.

This is a chance for United’s players to ‘tune up’ for the Premier League’s return, in a match which really matters, with hopes of going on to win the trophy.

For Aaron Wan-Bissaka, this particular match is pivotal to the next step in his career, whatever the future holds.

The right-back is expected to start, with Diogo Dalot only just making his return from the World Cup.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s future is at stake

Aaron Wan-Bissaka has not started a game for Manchester United this season under new manager Erik ten Hag.

In fact Wan-Bissaka has played a paltry four minutes of game time. Injury has contributed to this, but the defender has been frequently overlooked.

Erik ten Hag has preferred to play Tyrell Malacia and even Victor Lindelof over him at right-back when required, with Dalot entrenched as regular starter.

A rare opportunity is coming Wan-Bissaka’s way this week, with Lindelof needed at centre-back due to a lack of options there, and he is likely to start.

Now Wan-Bissaka must grab the opportunity – even if his future at Manchester United is a foregone conclusion.

United have been linked to a succession of right-backs, from Jeremie Frimpong to Malo Gusto to Josip Juranovic.

Wan-Bissaka meanwhile has been linked with an exit, with The MEN reporting West Ham are keen, and The Express & Star claim interest from Wolves.

But this can only become a reality, if Wan-Bissaka doesn’t blow it against Championship opposition Burnley on Wednesday night.

A poor performance could see his options in January dwindle, if he ends up getting embarrassed.

A strong display meanwhile could even give him a United lifeline or at least see him feature against Forest if Dalot is not ready to return.

Wan-Bissaka turned in two very different performances in Spain during the break, as one of the poorer players on the pitch against Cadiz, to being one of the best against Real Betis.

United need every player to perform well against Burnley, and Wan-Bissaka needs to deliver, for his own sake.