Right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka produced an eye-catching display during Manchester United's FA Cup semi-final victory over Brighton at Wembley on Sunday.
Given the nod at right-back for the fifth match in succession, the former Crystal Palace defender was tasked with keeping a close eye on Seagulls dangerman Kaoru Mitoma. The latter has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season, producing a series of classy performances.
However, he struggled to get the better of Wan-Bissaka underneath the Wembley Arch, with the United defender once again demonstrating how good he is in one-vs-one situations. He kept the Brighton ace at arm's length, restricting him to creating very few openings for both himself and his teammates.
READ MORE: Two United players held their nerve vs Brighton to follow Erik ten Hag trend
Wan-Bissaka is widely regarded as one of the best one-vs-one defenders in the world and has been consistently strong when trying to handle the threat of creative wide players. However, his limitations in offensive situations have often held him back, meaning many doubt whether he has the credentials to be a long-term fixture in United manager Erik ten Hag's plans.
Nevertheless, on the hour mark at Wembley, Wan-Bissaka intercepted a loose pass inside the centre circle, skipped away from two Brighton players, charged down the flank and managed to play a low cross into Antony's feet. It was a strong and powerful run that could, potentially, have resulted in him claiming an assist, had Brighton not been able to clear the ball away to safety in the end.
That was one of a handful of attacking runs that Wan-Bissaka made up until being substituted in extra time, highlighting that he is improving his attacking game. His career has been rekindled by Ten Hag since the World Cup, making 25 appearances, compared to just the one he made prior to the showpiece event in Qatar.
And ahead of Sunday's triumph over Brighton, Wan-Bissaka, who could have left Old Trafford last summer, admitted that he has been working on his attacking game to give Ten Hag what he wants from his full-backs.
"I think it's getting involved more in the higher part of the pitch, which is what the manager wants," Wan-Bissaka told The Telegraph. "That is what I've been giving him.
"He wants the full-back and winger to be on opposite lines, so if one is outside, the other is inside. That is what has been happening in the games on both sides of the pitch.
"It gives more options for other players. It creates space for other areas of the pitch. Now it is natural. It is what we do in training and what we practise, so we have to make it a habit to create as many options as possible.
"It is about timing. When to be in certain positions at different times. To get forward and be an option, the more players in the box the better. What it is is just having that understanding of what the coach demands. He is demanding and it brings the best out of us.
"My aim has been to keep improving and using each game step-by-step. I'm quite happy with it. The only thing I can do when I get on the pitch is give it my all for the team and the manager."
With Diogo Dalot having been assigned to the left-back berth in each of the last three matches, Wan-Bissaka appears to have become Ten Hag's first choice right-back. He has been the better performer of the duo since the World Cup and is deservedly retaining his place.
READ NEXT:
