Erik ten Hag pinpoints the moment Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s fortunes started to change under him

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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes the winter break was key to Aaron Wan-Bissaka‘s revival at Old Trafford.

Wan-Bissaka’s fortunes looked to have completely transformed since the domestic season resumed following the conclusion of the World Cup.

With Diogo Dalot returning to Carrington with an injury he sustained in Qatar, United’s number 29 has more than seized his opportunity having seemingly been surplus to requirements under the Dutchman.

Prior to the World Cup, the 25-year-old had only played four minutes of competitive football during the 2022-23 campaign and that came back in August against Liverpool as a substitute.

Erik ten Hag pinpoints the moment Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s fortunes started to change under him

Despite overcoming his injury issues, the writing seemed to be on the wall for the man who was signed for £50m from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2019.

Despite Dalot being suspended for United’s trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham in November, Wan-Bissaka didn’t form part of the matchday squad and it was left-back Malacia who filled in for the former Porto man.

But Wan-Bissaka hasn’t looked back since starting both of United’s winter friendlies against Cadiz and Real Betis.

The former England Under-21 international looks reborn and while he continues to produce his trademark sliding tackles like he did to thwart former Eagles teammate Wilfried Zaha, he looks far more comfortable with the ball at his feet, and is showing an appetite to get forward and be an attacking outlet.

Ahead of United’s trip to league-leaders Arsenal, which will likely be Wan-Bissaka’s sixth straight Premier League start, Ten Hag has identified where he believes Wan-Bissaka started to turn the corner.

Speaking to the club’s website, the former Ajax manager said: “He’s picking up the coaching and he is making good progress from the start of the season until now.

“He was in a bad situation because he was not fit, he had a lot of injuries, he had a couple of illnesses in the first half [of the season] until November.

“Things changed after the break, or during the break I would say, he worked well in the training camp, he had some good performances in games, and I think he’s making good progress.

“Also [against Palace] I think he was one of our best players.”