Erik ten Hag insists Aaron Wan-Bissaka has a future at Manchester United after the right-back’s performance in the Carabao Cup against Burnley.
The former Crystal Palace star had managed just four minutes of first-team football this season under the Dutchman with Diogo Dalot the manager’s firm first-choice option.
With the Portugal international still recovering from a hamstring injury suffered at the World Cup, Wan-Bissaka was given the nod for the visit of Vincent Kompany’s side on Wednesday.
In addition to helping his side keep a clean sheet, Wan-Bissaka also provided a superb assist for Christian Eriksen’s opener, latching onto Bruno Fernandes’ cross-field pass and stretching to hit a first-time cross onto the Dane who hammered home from close range.
The 25-year-old had been tipped to leave Old Trafford in the January transfer window but ten Hag insisted post-match he remains in his plans, offering an explanation as to why he failed to get more minutes earlier in the season.
‘Aaron Wan-Bissaka, it’s clear he has a future,’ Ten Hag said after the 2-0 win.
‘He had some good years here at Man United, but from the start this season he had a lot of illnesses and injuries, so running behind.
‘From the restart on he is fit and he could train with the team and you see him progressing, his fitness levels getting better, his performance levels getting better and I’m really happy today with his performance.
‘He gave an assist – especially the way he gave the assist – about his movement in the right moment and timing, and of course a great pass by Bruno [Fernandes], but the assist is great. I’m happy with his performance. He did good.’
Following Eriksen’s opener, United doubled their lead in the second-half thanks to a wonderful goal from Marcus Rashford. Picking up the ball in his own half, the England international drove towards the Burnley goal, skipping past two defenders before drilling a low effort into the net.
It comes just 11 days after England were dumped out of the World Cup after that quarter-final defeat to France with Rashford insisting there is no time to dwell on that exit.
‘There is no time to feel sorry for yourself,” Rashford told Sky Sports.
‘It’s more emotions-wise because it was such a disappointing feeling to be knocked out [of the World Cup]. You have to pick yourselves up and we did that today.’
MORE : Manchester United star Marcus Rashford back home and bang in form in Carabao Cup win over Burnley
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