Erik ten Hag says there is "really close competition" between Manchester United right-backs Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Wan-Bissaka played six minutes all season before the World Cup and Dalot started in all but one of United's first 21 fixtures and he only missed the win at Fulham through suspension.
Since the season restarted in December, Wan-Bissaka has started 16 of United's 26 matches and Dalot sustained a first injury on club duty in two-and-a-half years that left him sidelined for a month.
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Wan-Bissaka travelled to Newcastle on Sunday but was ruled out on the day of the game through illness. Dalot struggled against Allan Saint-Maximin, having been replaced by Wan-Bissaka at half-time of the League Cup final against Newcastle.
"I think it's really close competition between them," Ten Hag said. "So maybe Aaron gives you a little bit more defending, Diogo a little but more offence. They both made progress in both areas, so it's really close.
"Then you look at the opponent, you look at the load of the players to manage when you have almost two equal players, the form, where they are in, is also an issue. And of course, how is the team, how are they doing in the moment, and you make your decisions."
United have tied down left-back Luke Shaw on a new contract until 2027 after an impressive season so far from the England international.
Shaw, 27, joined United from Southampton for a fee rising to £31million in 2014 and is set to make his 250th appearance for the club this week.
"I think it's a good message," Ten Hag remarked. "England international, he's doing really well this season, really happy with him. He's a modern left full-back but can also play other positions, can play left centre-back.
"He absolutely matches the standards we want to have. It sends a very good message."
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