Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has insisted that Aaron Wan-Bissaka still has a future at the club.
The 25-year-old made his first start of the 2022-23 campaign on Wednesday evening, being named in the XI against Burnley in the EFL Cup.
Wan-Bissaka came up with the assist for Christian Eriksen to make the breakthrough, while he helped the Red Devils keep a clean sheet in what proved to be a 2-0 victory.
The Englishman benefited from Diogo Dalot's absence to start in the team's first competitive match after the 2022 World Cup, and he could also be in the side against Nottingham Forest on December 27 if Dalot cannot recover from a hamstring problem.
There has been a host of speculation surrounding Wan-Bissaka's future, with the defender heavily linked with a move away from the 20-time English champions.
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Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Ham United and Crystal Palace are among the clubs said to be interested in securing his signature next year.
However, Ten Hag has said that the defender still "has a future" at Old Trafford, with the Dutchman lavishing praise on his performance against the Championship winners.
"Aaron Wan-Bissaka, it is clear he has a future (here)," Ten Hag told reporters on Wednesday. "He's had some good years with United, but from the start of this season he had a lot of illnesses and injuries, and so was running behind.
"His fitness levels are getting better, his performance levels are getting better. When you get an assist, especially the way he got that assist with his movement and the right moment, the timing and then great pass of course from Bruno (Fernandes). But this is great and so I'm happy with his performance. He did good."
Before the clash with Burnley, Wan-Bissaka's only first-team action this season had been the final four minutes against Liverpool in the Premier League on August 22.
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Wan-Bissaka has made 128 appearances for Man United in all competitions, contributing two goals and 11 assists in the process.
The defender was first choice during his first two seasons at the club, but he lost his starting role in the middle of the 2021-22 campaign following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's departure.
Dalot has been one of the team's most consistent performers this term, featuring on 20 occasions in all competitions, contributing one goal and two assists in the process.
Ten Hag's options at full-back have also been boosted by the return of Brandon Williams, who entered the field as a late substitute against Burnley on Wednesday after a long period on the sidelines through injury.
Matt Law
