Erik ten Hag faces an awkward situation after surprising injury update about Man United star

Emerging reports suggest that Manchester United star, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is on the brink of making a swifter-than-expected return from injury, handing Erik ten Hag a significant defensive boost amid his injury woes.

However, this development presents a tactical quandary. Wan-Bissaka had been the preferred right-back in the initial games of the season, featuring in United’s first four matches.

Yet, in the subsequent 3-1 defeat against Brighton and Hove Albion, he was relegated to the bench, paving the way for Diogo Dalot.

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Unfortunately, Wan-Bissaka suffered a hamstring injury during his substitute appearance in that match on September 16, sidelining him ever since.

During his absence, Dalot has admirably stepped into the breach, becoming one of the few bright spots in an otherwise lackluster campaign for United.

With Wan-Bissaka’s return on the horizon and a flurry of fixtures approaching, Ten Hag faces a tough decision regarding who to entrust with the crucial right-back role.

According to the Mail, the 25-year-old has taken a significant step towards a comeback on the pitch by resuming training at Carrington.

The report claims Wan-Bissaka could be available by the end of next week if the final stages of his recovery go as planned.

He could be eyeing next Saturday’s Premier League game against Fulham at Craven Cottage as his next appearance.

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United host Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday and Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday before then.

Ten Hag’s answer would likely follow along the lines that it’s important to have two top players competing in each position. That’s true. It’s what any manager should strive for.

On current form, it would be incredibly harsh to drop Dalot, who is enjoying one of his best spells since joining United from FC Porto as a teenager in 2018.

But Wan-Bissaka will want to play football, especially if he’s to sign a new long-term contract at Old Trafford, which United have lined up in recent months.

His return will be more welcome than not, though. Following Sergio Reguilon’s comeback against FC Copenhagen, Ten Hag’s defensive options are starting to look a lot more promising.