Man Utd done deal: Red Devils extend contract of key player Ten Hag wanted to sell

Robin Bairner

• 4 Jan 2024 00:48 CST
• 3 min read

Manchester United have triggered the option to extend Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s contract by an additional year in the second of three such moves they plan to make.

Wan-Bissaka’s deal at Old Trafford was due to expire at the end of the season but United have moved to activate a clause in his contract that automatically extends it by a single year until June 2025, giving them additional time to negotiate terms with the right-back over a long-term extension.

The Daily Mail reports that the Man Utd are ready to offer the former England U21 international a pay rise after establishing himself as a regular in Erik ten Hag’s plans, having initially been peripheral to the Dutchman’s thinking.

The 26-year-old has performed so well that he is classed as a key player at Old Trafford by data analytics experts SciSports.

Wan-Bissaka’s current deal is worth €105,000 (£90,000) per week and the Red Devils have indicated that they are prepared to raise this figure.

Initial contract talks were opened in September, but the takeover of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group meant that they were frozen and will now be picked up later in the season.

What Man Utd players will get a new contract?

Wan-Bissaka is one of three Man Utd players who will have a clause to extend their contract triggered unilaterally by the club, Fabrizio Romano adds.

Victor Lindelof has already been awarded an additional year at Old Trafford while Hannibal Mejbri is on track to claim an additional season with Man Utd.

The Red Devils plan to be more ruthless with centre-back Raphael Varane, whose wages of €435,000 (£375,000) per week have not been judged value for money. With the World Cup winner’s relationship with Ten Hag presently under the microscope, too, he will be allowed to depart on a free transfer in the summer.

Similarly, striker Anthony Martial will leave Old Trafford, with Man Utd not taking up the option of an extra year in his deal after several disappointing seasons in which he has been plagued by injury and a loss of form.