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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Richard Fay

Aaron Wan-Bissaka responds to Erik ten Hag message at Manchester United

Defensive reshuffle

Manchester United were handed a blow ahead of kick-off when Harry Maguire was ruled out due to illness, leaving them with only one senior centre-back to choose from. It showed how seriously they are taking it that talented youngster Rhys Bennett wasn't risked from the start, with Casemiro selected there instead.

It looked like Scott McTominay would fill in, as he has done for Scotland at international level, but Erik ten Hag stated that the Brazilian was chosen due to his vast experience in the game. He certainly showed that with a commanding performance against physical opposition in which he hardly put a foot wrong.

There are certainly more demanding tests for a United centre-back than a tame Carabao Cup home tie, but there is further comfort in knowing that Casemiro can play there if they get desperate again.

Read next: United vs Burnley player ratings

On the right wing

United's lack of depth on the right flank has been well documented this season, and when Antony is back to match fitness, he will go straight back into the line-up without question.

Even if that is a certainty, United still need to identify a reliable reserve option there, and judging by the way they lined up against Burnley, it might well be Marcus Rashford.

The England international looked a little sluggish after his international endeavours, but enjoyed a few bright moments out wide, culminating with his superb solo goal.

It is obvious that he is still best suited to playing in his preferred role on the left where he can cut inside onto his stronger right foot, though he certainly still has something to offer on the right.

Fernandes running the show

United need to move on from the Cristiano Ronaldo circus, and it seems like they have their headline entertainment act back in the shape of Bruno Fernandes.

The Portuguese playmaker was one of the standout performers at the World Cup, but hasn't been as important for his club side this season or as much during Ronaldo's second-spell.

Now that his compatriot has left, there is space for another player to take centre-stage, and it looks like Fernandes has embraced the opportunity of becoming United's key man again.

Right from the off, he was at the centre of everything United did well and would have had an early assist if not for a poor finish from Garnacho after his beautifully-weighted through ball. He'd at least get a pre-assist when his superb ball picked out Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the opening goal of the game.

The 28-year-old has been invigorated since becoming the stand-in captain early on in the campaign, and is also leading by example on the pitch with his performances right now. Ronaldo might be gone, but Bruno is back.

Wan-Bissaka does what Ten Hag wanted

Ten Hag is eager for United to add a new right-back to his side next year, though Aaron Wan-Bissaka might have finally given him a reason to scrap that.

It is a matter of fact that the 25-year-old is out of favour and surplus to requirements, but at the final moment he might have taken the last of his last chances in the side.

Wan-Bissaka began brightly with his full-back performance against Burnley and gradually grew into the game under the watchful eye of the United manager, who stood metres away from him for most of the first-half.

Ten Hag was issuing instructions to the defender from the first few minutes, guiding him to his position and urging him to attack whenever possible.

He looked to gain confidence when he beat his opposing man with a deft dribble, and minutes later grabbed an incredible assist when he stretched to hook a cross across goal for Christian Eriksen to tap-in.

It will take a lot more than this showing to stay at Old Trafford beyond next year, but he is at least making some sort of case now.

Dubravka's dodgy display

While it was a case of what Wan-Bissaka might still have to offer, it feels like Martin Dubravaka might have already shown as much as he can in a United shirt.

The 'keeper was fortunate to keep his place over the returning David de Gea and the more experienced Tom Heaton, and did little to justify his selection.

Dubravaka failed to convince when he flapped at a cross in the first-half that almost resulted in a comical own goal, and moments later he did the same when a tame back pass rolled under his foot towards goal.

It's still really odd that United signed him on loan in the summer, but it's even stranger that he got another game. He might never get another.

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