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Erik ten Hag credits Aaron Wan-Bissaka as the defender looks to salvage his Manchester United career

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has heaped praise on Aaron Wan-Bissaka after he successfully fought for his place back into the team.

Diogo Dalot has largely remained on the sidelines post-World Cup. This allowed Wan-Bissaka to get a chance at the right-back spot and he grabbed his opportunity with both hands.

In the recent Matchday Q/A (via ManUtd.com), Ten Hag was asked if he was pleased with Wan-Bissaka’s fightback.

“Yes, of course,” he said. “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, especially top football.

“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.”

Aaron Wan-Bissaka needs to continue his top form

The 25-year-old’s future looked in jeopardy after Ten Hag arrived at Man United.

The Dutchman favoured Dalot at right-back, with the Portuguese offering a lot more going forward.

There is little doubt that Wan-Bissaka is better than Dalot when it comes to defending. 

However, the latter takes attacking positions more frequently and is a better ball distributor.

These two characteristics are pivotal in a right-back for the style of football Ten Hag wants his team to play.

Dalot’s injury gave Wan-Bissaka an opportunity to impress the manager, and the former Crystal Palace defender delivered on the expectations.

He was linked with a return to the Eagles in the winter transfer window, but he stayed with United.

If he continues to improve his attacking output and gets a few assists under his belt, Ten Hag won’t need to search for a new right-back in the upcoming summer window.