A point away at league leaders Chelsea was close to being a much-needed three for Manchester United on Sunday.
Jadon Sancho's converted strike from Jorginho’s error would have been enough to seal the win. However, Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s clumsy swipe inside his own box saw him clip Thiago Silva’s heels, leading to a costly penalty in which Jorginho was able to atone for his earlier error.
The mistake capped off another afternoon to forget for the United right-back who’s looked below-par for some time. His form has been a lingering problem amplified by a lack of competition behind the 24-year-old.
It’s no secret that the club made Kieran Trippier a key target in the summer, aware they needed a more multi-faceted attacking presence in that area of the pitch . The move never materialised though, leaving Diogo Dalot as United’s only real right-sided cover.
Dalot himself has been subject to his own fair share of transfer interest, and the MEN has reported that Jose Mourinho's Roma are keen on signing him in January - if United resurrect a move for Trippier.
Youngster Ethan Laird looks as though he may one day develop into Wan-Bissaka's successor and continues to impress on loan at Swansea. He’s already secured four assists for the Swans this season - Wan Bissaka has yet to secure one.
We are in a footballing age where wing-backs have evolved from being primarily defence-oriented to auxiliary attackers. However, Wan-Bissaka’s game has rarely mirrored this change.
He looks at his most comfortable behind the ball rather than ahead of it, and contributions inside the attacking third are almost always at a premium.
The former Palace player has registered just ten assists since arriving at Old Trafford in 2019, whilst this season, he’s played just seven passes that have led to a shot on goal and he’s averaging fewer than two crosses and passes into the penalty area per 90.
Wan-Bissaka has in the past been able to compensate for his lack of influence in attack with consistency in defence. Yet his performances without the ball haven’t been anywhere near enough to excuse his bluntness with it.
United will persist with the 24-year-old due to a lack of options, however with Ralf Rangnick now in charge, his long-term future at the club will certainly come under scrutiny, and rightfully so.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
