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When Erik ten Hag took over Manchester United, the right-back place was confronted with probably the most uncertainty.
Quick ahead one yr, and it seems like probably the most safe place within the present squad with two high quality choices competing for beginning honours.
The Mirror studies that this has prompted a change in switch technique for United, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka quickly to observe in Diogo Dalot’s footsteps by getting his contract prolonged.
United have lengthy been linked with Denzel Dumfries, Ten Hag’s fellow countryman as they sought to improve the right-back place with a participant who match his model of play. Now they’ve moved on from him.
Nevertheless, final season, Diogo Dalot put in some nice performances to safe his United future by signing a brand new contract.
Then, Wan-Bissaka got here in from the chilly publish the winter World Cup to indicate an improved attacking sport and compelled his manner into the first-team image once more.
His inventory has risen to such an extent that within the present pre-season, he has turn out to be the first-choice right-back over Dalot.
Along with his contract expiring in 2024, United are more likely to set off the choice to increase his deal by a yr, making it run til 2025.
The membership can then interact in extension negotiations with the defensive maestro with a safer place available in the market.
It’s a far cry from final summer time, and even January 2023, when Wan-Bissaka was one of many gamers on the chopping block.
The suitable-back place is agency proof of how versatile Ten Hag might be in the case of his thoughts being modified.
This pivot in switch technique led to by the star-turn of two out-of-favour choices is a testomony to the gamers’ willingness to enhance and the teaching workers’s means to maximise their expertise.
It might need saved the membership north of £30 million within the switch market.