Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has praised the performances of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia in recent weeks, which according to him indicates the quality of competition within the squad.
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Wan-Bissaka has done an excellent job in replacing Diogo Dalot, who is currently out injured and his performances following the World Cup have been so impressive, that ten Hag is now happy for him to stay as there was speculation in the media that United would be keen to let him leave on loan as before the World Cup he had only played a total of four first team minutes.
The United right-back has started six Premier League games and two Carabao Cup games [Transfermarkt] and he has shown his qualities, which is something that pleases the United manager as he wants as many players competing at a high level as possible so that there is not a drop off in performance levels when he makes changes to his team.
“I think what you see is Diogo and Luke play on a really high level but it’s good to know that the depth in the squad is so good that those two [Wan-Bissaka and Malacia] come in and they can compete for their position, with Luke and with Diogo. That is very good for a squad, that the internal competition is there. Everyone has to give their best to be in a team and to play a lot of games, but also from a tactical approach they are different types of players, so sometimes we can pick a player for the tactical approach” [via Man Utd].
Ten Hag also said the same about Tyrell Malacia, who like Wan-Bissaka has been in good form for United since the World Cup. His energy down the United left has been a key feature of his play in recent weeks, and he was excellent in the Manchester Derby, as was Wan-Bissaka, as both full-backs prevent City’s wide players from getting much joy.
Both players will be hoping to feature when United take on Reading in the fourth round of the FA Cup and the game gets underway at 8pm UK time.