12 months ago Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s Manchester United career looked all but over, Diogo Dalot was starting ahead of him consistently and, crucially, he was very impressive.
However, since the turn of the year, the former Crystal Palace right-back has seemingly wrestled back the starting jersey from the Portuguese right-back.
The Englishman started in the FA Cup final and, despite United suffering a 2-1 defeat in the final, was superb. You can perhaps trace back exactly when Wan-Bissaka won the trust of his manager.
At half-time of United’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United, Dalot was on a yellow and Allan Saint-Maximin, as tricky as he is, was causing the former Porto man problems.
On came Wan-Bissaka, and the French winger didn’t have a sniff in the second half, it was truly superb from the 25-year-old. It seems Erik ten Hag has had a positive impact on his confidence following a tough few years.
‘I’ve learnt a lot from him’
Speaking to the official United website, Wan-Bissaka was very effusive in his opinions of Ten Hag.
“It’s been good, especially for myself. I’ve learned a lot under him,” Wan Bissaka said. “And there’s more to come, more improvement to be done. So, yeah, I’m happy. He’s helped the team. You can see the team’s transition has changed.”
The Englishman has consistently been questioned over his ability to go forward but there have been small improvements in this aspect. Wan Bissaka linked up nicely with Antony in the second-half and the Brazilian should have had an assist from the superb build-up down the right.
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Attacking improvements
As mentioned, there has certainly been improvements in his attacking play this season. According to FBREF, he ranks highly this year and last year for his progressive carries and progressive passes.
Despite his, at times, awkward style when the ball is at his feet, the Englishman certainly looks a threat down that right flank.
“I’d say both. On the pitch, (Ten Hag has taught me) just where to be at certain times, to be more aggressive going forward, and just how I can help the team.”
The Englishman is now undoubtedly the club’s first choice right-back. With the defensive qualities he offers the team clear for most to see if he can improve even more going forward, then United have a frightening right-back on their hands.