Aaron Wan-Bissaka is doing all he can to keep himself a part of Erik ten Hag's plans after his manager insisted the defender does have a future at Manchester United.
The former Crystal Palace defender looked set to bid farewell to Old Trafford at various points over the past 12 months. He had fallen out of favour last term with just 26 appearances in all competitions.
He then only played a total of four minutes of Premier League action before the enforced break for the World Cup ahead of the January transfer window. The former £50m man was linked with a return to his former club Crystal Palace but a move was not forthcoming, with Ten Hag confirming as far back as December that Wan-Bissaka could stay at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman said at the time: “He has a future. He has had some good years at Man United but, from the start of this season he has had a lot of illnesses and injuries.
“So, from the restart on, he is fit, so he could train with the team and you see him progressing.”
Since that statement, Wan-Bissaka has forced himself back into contention. He has made 12 Premier League appearances since - 10 of those being starts.
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The right-back has also enjoyed action in Europe, helped the Red Devils to win the Carabao Cup, whilst he also played a key role in their FA Cup success over Brighton to tee-up a tantalising final against rivals Manchester City. United icon Rio Ferdinand was full of praise for the 25-year-old and his performance on Sunday at Wembley Stadium.
Speaking on his Vibe with Five podcast, he said: “I think Wan-Bissaka for me [was the stand-out player]. Mitoma has been the find of the season for me, he has given every team they have played against huge problems.
“And to be fair to Wan-Bissaka, he put the shackles on him. And we all know how good defensively one vs one Wan-Bissaka is and today he proved again he can handle top class players in good form. When it is me against you, he is as good as anyone out there.”
Leicester and England star James Maddison also lavished praise on Wan-Bissaka, writing on Twitter after the game: "AWB is ridiculously good at 1 v 1 defending. Probably the best in the world bar none. So many wingers run out of ideas when playing directly against him."
It has been quite the revival for a man who looked destined to be on his way out of United after failing to live up to his £50m price tag, while Ten Hag's faith has been rewarded.
Amid talk over a fresh start at Old Trafford, the former Crystal Palace star has previously confirmed that he wants to stay with the Red Devils. Speaking with The Telegraph, he said: “It has been my intention to stay but during that period [out of the team] my aim was just to play, everyone loves playing and it makes me happy.
“During that time I would do anything to play again. I am happy here, I have been happy since I’ve joined and that is what I worked for and what I continue to work for.”
Wan-Bissaka has just over a year remaining on his current United deal. Since joining the club, he has made 152 appearances for the Red Devils.
