Man Utd perform right-back transfer U-turn after Wan-Bissaka resurgence

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 23 May 2023 09:01 CDT
• 2 min read

Manchester United have abandoned their plans to bring in a new right-back this January after Erik ten Hag was impressed by the form of Aaron Wan-Bissaka in recent weeks.

Wan-Bissaka has started five of United’s last six games since the World Cup having only played four minutes of football this season prior to the break.

The 25-year-old was considered expendable by Ten Hag when he arrived in the summer, with the United boss seemingly unconvinced by Wan-Bissaka’s lack of attacking prowess.

REVIVAL: Wan-Bissaka playing his way into Man Utd future

However, with first-choice right-back Diogo Dalot having been struggling with injury since returning from World Cup duty, Wan-Bissaka has proven his worth as a serviceable backup, with United having kept a clean sheet in all five of his recent appearances.

Wan-Bissaka had been expected to leave the club and United had even lined up a move for Nelson Semedo but they have since shelved their interest in the Wolves right-back.

Crystal Palace had shown interest in bringing back the player they sold to United for £50 million in 2019 and Wan-Bissaka was believed to be keen on leaving for more first-team football but he is now likely to remain at Old Trafford for the rest of the season.

Ten Hag content with right-back options…for now

Ten Hag had wanted a right-back ever since his arrival last year, with Dalot still yet to agree a long-term extension to his contract and teams such as Barcelona taking interest in the 23-year-old.

Dalot is out of contract at the end of the season but United will activate their one-year option, however the club are desperate to tie him down to a longer deal after he established himself as Ten Hag’s first choice right-back.

REVEALED: Man Utd's plans for the right-back spot

The likes of Denzel Dumfries of Inter and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong had been considered but United preferred a cheaper option who would be a backup to Dalot.

Semedo was a player that United had been monitoring, with his contract set to expire in the summer, but, despite Wolves being open to a sale, Wan-Bissaka’s impressive spell deputising for Dalot has convinced Ten Hag to hold fire, at least until the summer.

United may change their stance in the summer, especially if Barca’s interest in Dalot progresses, but Wan-Bisakka has been given a lifeline to save his career at Old Trafford in the meantime.