According to a report from Manchester Evening News, after recently activating Wan-Bissaka’s Manchester United contract, it appears improbable that the Red Devils would allow him to depart in January. While there has been a precedent with Hannibal’s departure, it’s worth noting that the young midfielder was on the periphery of the first team. In contrast, Wan-Bissaka has become a vital member of the squad, and it’s unlikely that Erik Ten Hag would want to weaken his team this month.
Wan-Bissaka’s Struggles At Manchester United This Season
Wan-Bissaka has faced challenges in his development at Manchester United this season due to limited playing time, despite occasional moments of brilliance. The 25-year-old has featured in 17 matches, providing two assists across all competitions.
In the games he has played, the English defender has demonstrated solid performances with an average of 2.1 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, and 2.2 clearances per game in the Premier League. Additionally, he boasts an impressive 83% passing accuracy in the English top flight, highlighting his efficiency in distributing the ball to teammates (statistics obtained from whoscored).
Good Decision From Ten Hag?
Despite being a prominent figure in recent seasons, Wan-Bissaka has experienced limited playing time this season, with Diogo Dalot often being preferred in the lineup early on. Wan-Bissaka’s on-field presence has been impactful, revealing glimpses of defensive prowess and potential contributions in attack.
However, given the recent injury crisis, Wan-Bissaka may find more opportunities in the second half of the season. This potential increase in playing time could lead to a resurgence in his form, allowing him to anchor the defense effectively and initiate attacks from the backline.
Therefore, Manchester United’s decision to activate his contract extension is a strategic move, providing them with time to postpone negotiations for a more extended commitment. The Red Devils will likely put him up for sale at the end of this season but not before they find a decent replacement in the summer.
