According to rumors, Manchester United is getting ready to start negotiations with defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka over a lucrative new contract. Erik ten Hag, the manager of the Red Devils, has made a dramatic U-turn on the future of Wan-Bissaka at Old Trafford after a strong second half of the season.
The 25-year-old right-back and United will start formal negotiations about extending his current contract, according to the Mail.
Wan-Bissaka’s contract expires at the end of the current season, though there is a 12-month extension option.
But after the summer transfer window shuts, he will likely be offered better terms as payment for pulling off an impressive turnaround under Ten Hag.
In the early stages of Ten Hag’s career at United, Wan-Bissaka was a peripheral member of his team, with Diogo Dalot receiving preference on the right side of his defense.
The Dutchman was also willing to sell the No. 29 in January as Crystal Palace, who had transferred Wan-Bissaka to United for £50 million in 2019, expressed interest in bringing him back to Selhurst Park.
But after the World Cup, he began to play regularly, helping United win the Carabao Cup and qualify for the Champions League with a third-place finish.
As he strives to keep his starting spot at the start of the new season, a new contract would be the icing on the cake of a successful comeback to prominence.
Wan-Bissaka’s improvement last term caught the attention of his peers, leaving then-Leicester City midfielder James Maddison in awe of his performance in United’s FA Cup semi-final win against Brighton and Hove Albion.
“[Aaron Wan Bissaka] is ridiculously good at one-v-one defending,” Maddison tweeted.
“Probably the best in the world, bar none. So many wingers run out of ideas when playing directly against him.”
According to the source, Wan-Bissaka’s new contract would enhance his $100,000 weekly salary, which has already increased as a result of United’s return to the Champions League.
He would receive a new contract under Ten Hag’s direction, following his right-back rival Dalot.
In May, the international player for Portugal signed a five-year agreement with the possibility of an additional 12 months.
It is unclear who will begin the campaign as Ten Hag’s top pick. Dalot started in a full-strength team in Saturday’s preseason victory over RC Lens, but Wan-Bissaka finished last term on top.