Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has warned his side they're in for a tough test against Leicester on Sunday afternoon, though he did take the time to laud the progress made by Aaron Wan-Bissaka this season.
Wan-Bissaka has seen a struggling United career revived since the return of domestic football post-World Cup, starting 12 times with a further two appearances off the bench. The 25-year-old had played just five minutes prior to the winter break, owing to a combination of injury, illness and the form of Diogo Dalot.
But a hamstring injury suffered by the Portugal international gave Wan-Bissaka his chance, and the former Crystal Palace man has grabbed it with both hands. United continue to compete in all four available competitions and depth in every position is essential for Ten Hag, who is delighted to see his players thriving.
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“Yes, of course," the Reds boss told club media when asked whether he was pleased with Wan-Bissaka's form. “He is improving his game and I’m happy with his return.
"He had a difficult first part of the season but he fought himself back and that’s a credit to him. If you struggle, you fight yourself back. That’s what life is about, and especially top football.”
Key to Wan-Bissaka's resurgence has been a marked improvement going forward, with the former England youth international gaining confidence with each burst forward. Ten Hag's decision to start him in Thursday's Europa League clash at Barcelona was testament to the trust in his defensive capabilities, but for the Dutchman, attacking threat is of similar importance.
“You always have to be on the front foot, you always have to be ready. Sometimes you have setbacks and you have to deal with it and fight back; that is what he did.
“As you say, he’s also now improving his game. [In his] defending I think he was always reliable, but offensively also now he has an impact.”
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