Diogo Dalot played his final match before the World Cup last night as Manchester United beat Aston Villa.
This is due to Dalot’s suspension he must serve against Fulham, after picking up five yellow cards in the Premier League.
Erik ten Hag wanted a strong side for the Carabao Cup game and called on Dalot, who has started every single match this season.
This is partly due to Ten Hag’s lack of faith in Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who was absent from the squad entirely.
Mystery surrounds Aaron Wan-Bissaka absence
Aaron Wan-Bissaka was not even on the substitute’s bench for Manchester United last night.
Erik ten Hag did not comment before or after the game whether this was injury or fitness related, with questions concentrated on Ronaldo.
It underlined how Wan-Bissaka has become an afterthought at Old Trafford. He has played only four minutes of football this season, and wasn’t even selected to start a pre-season game.
With Dalot suspended this weekend, it would have made sense for Wan-Bissaka to get some game time, even as a substitute. And its very possible that an injury recurrence took this decision out of Ten Hag’s hands.
But it would be no surprise if Ten Hag had just dropped him entirely, even with Sunday’s game looming on the horizon.
Who starts for United at right-back this weekend
Wan-Bissaka is likely now third choice, even on a weekend where Dalot is unavailable.
Ten Hag has previously tried two options in the position in recent weeks, in fill-in situations.
One options is to select Victor Lindelof in the role, like in the second half against Real Sociedad. This would mean Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez lining up in central defence.
Another way to line up is to pick Tyrell Malacia at right-back. Ten Hag has switched the Dutchman out to this position in a couple of Europa League games after bringing on Luke Shaw at left-back.
Even if Wan-Bissaka gets fit for the weekend, he is unlikely to be selected. His future at the club is looking bleak.