A major contributing factor to Manchester United’s slow start to Erik ten Hag’s second season at Old Trafford has been the team’s defensive injury crisis. Since the beginning of the season, the United coach has been unable to field his strongest back-four, and as a result, performances have suffered. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been absent for most of the season after hobbling off with a hamstring injury in the team’s home loss to Brighton six weeks ago.
The right-back has been practicing on the grass at United’s Carrington training facility this week as he prepares to rejoin the first squad.
According to The Daily Mail, Wan-Bissaka is nearing the end of his recuperation and can’t wait to play again.
Ten Hag has little choices because regular starters Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez are still sidelined.
The manager will be happy to get the former Crystal Palace player back in the fold because this season Raphael Varane, Sergio Reguilon, Jonny Evans, Tyrell Malacia, and Wan-Bissaka have all had stints on the sidelines.
Ten Hag may be inclined to start the defender in the crucial match that might decide United’s season since Treble’s victory over Manchester City is up next for United.
Diogo Dalot could easily move to left-back, allowing Wan Bissaka to return and give United a lot more stability.
The 25-year-old’s defensive prowess unquestionably surpasses that of any full-back Ten Hag currently has at his disposal, and in a match when United will need to play strong defense, his influence might be crucial.
Furthermore, Wan-Bissaka loves the chance to put himself to the test against whoever Guardiola chooses to start on the left side of his attack because some of his best games wearing a red shirt have occurred in the Derby.
But for Wan-Bissaka, the competition might come too soon. Dalot will be on the other side of Sergio Reguilon, who will continue at left-back.
Wan-Bissaka has had an amazing year; this time last year, he was fired from Old Trafford and his future with the team appeared to be grim.
But an incredible second half of the season has propelled the Englishman to Ten Hag’s first team and made him an important part of the United back four.
United will be itching to have Wan-Bissaka rejoin a winning squad, but they will need to defeat City on Sunday afternoon with their greatest game of the year.
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