The writing seemed on the wall for Aaron Wan-Bissaka regarding his future at Manchester United.
Limited to just a few minutes of football since Erik ten Hag took over the club, the right-back has been linked with signings for West Ham, Wolves and Crystal Palace in the upcoming January window.
United have also been linked with a host of right-backs, as it has felt like an open secret that Ten Hag wanted fresh blood as Diogo Dalot’s backup.
It was also widely reported that the club came close to buying Sergino Dest from Barcelona in the summer, but simply let it be too late to dump the Englishman.
But 90 minutes could have changed the whole situation.
With a hamstring injury keeping Dalot sidelined, Wan-Bissaka started against Burnley in the Carabao Cup fourth-round tie and played superbly, a fact not lost on the manager.
“Aaron Wan-Bissaka – it’s clear he has a future,” Ten Hag told reporters after the game.
“He had some good years here at Man United but from the start of this season he had a lot of illness and injury so he fell behind.
“Since the restart he is fit and was able to train with the team and you see him progress, his fitness level improves, his performance level improves and I am very happy today with his performance.
“He gave an assist, especially the way he gave the assist, about his movement at the right time and timing, and of course a great pass from Bruno, but the assist is great.
“I am happy with his performance. She did well.
A second chance for the former Palace man would relieve Ten Hag of a transfer headache and allow him to focus on strengthening himself up front, which must surely be the priority in the upcoming window.
In that regard, all signs point to PSV’s Cody Gakpo, who should be available for less than £50m.
