When Tyrell Malacia started at right-back in place of the suspended Diogo Dalot for Manchester United's 2-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage back in November, the writing was on the wall for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The former Crystal Palace man, despite being one of just two senior right-backs in United's squad, had earned just four minutes worth of football all season and had not been included in a Premier League matchday squad since the end of August. He had slid down the pecking order and was evidently not in Erik ten Hag's plans.
The Dutchman's decision to field a left-sided full-back on the right side of the back-four was telling, though it was not unexpected. Wan-Bissaka's United career, it seemed, had reached its conclusion and he found himself in a position where he was counting down the days until the January transfer window opened for business, paving the way for him to seal an exit.
