Aaron Wan-Bissaka's future at Manchester United began to look bleak once Erik ten Hag got the Reds ticking with the playing style he wanted - make no mistake - but his reluctance to sign another full-back in the January transfer window shows the manager's trust in the player.
The £50million signing from Crystal Palace was brought in under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in a transfer window that saw United sign other Premier League talents like Harry Maguire and Dan James, who have by far and large failed to make the desired impressions. Bruno Fernandes came in and changed that narrative in January, but the trio had an uphill battle from their first season forwards.
Wan-Bissaka has always been noted for his defensive qualities which are second to none in comparison with other full-backs in the league such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, though his attacking attributes have always been in question. For a team with the aspirations of United - who wish to be a top side able to dominate matches - the signing always seemed a tad puzzling.
Also read: Ten Hag explains why he didn't make an attacking change at 2-2
When United recruited Ten Hag, a young, progressive coach with strong tactical nous, it felt like Wan-Bissaka's time at Old Trafford was up. Diogo Dalot has been preferred all season and Wan-Bissaka had only played four minutes of Premier League football under the new manager before coming into the team to replace Dalot.
Wan-Bissaka was thrust into the starting lineup for the game against Nottingham Forest just before the turn of the year and has been an ever-present since, bar being subbed off after an hour in a routine 3-0 win over Bournemouth earlier this month.
That included Carabao Cup victories against Burnley and Charlton, with Wan-Bissaka registering a superb assist against the former in the first game back following the World Cup. On the whole, the 25-year-old has impressed despite his days looking numbered previously.
Had you mentioned to a United fan a month before that Wan-Bissaka would be playing every match having previously looked at potential transfer targets at right-back, many would have shaken their heads in bewilderment. But perhaps it shows that the former Palace talent has changed Ten Hag's mind once and for all.
Of course, that doesn't mean he won't be sold in the summer as Ten Hag continues to put his stamp on United - but Wan-Bissaka has more than impressed recently to at least be given a chance as United aim to qualify for the Champions League.
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