Manchester United chiefs reportedly persuaded Erik ten Hag to make a U-turn on selling Aaron Wan-Bissaka after bending to his wishes over three players in the transfer window.
Ten Hag was prepared to offload Wan-Bissaka before the deadline with Crystal Palace keen to re-sign the full-back for a cut-price £10million fee or on loan. United were reluctant to accept such a huge loss on a player they bought for £50m in 2019 but conceded he was not part of Ten Hag's plans.
However, transfer chief John Murtough convinced the Dutch coach to keep Wan-Bissaka and give him another opportunity to prove his worth as United opted against signing a replacement.
According to The Athletic, Murtough's argument was based on Wan-Bissaka's capabilities as a defender which previously earned him widespread plaudits - least of all from Jamie Carragher, who previously described him as 'the best one on one defender in the world'.
Wan-Bissaka's lack of prowess going forward has been the main reason behind why his stock has fallen at Old Trafford. With Ten Hag favouring a system where his full-backs bomb on and contribute to the attack, it appears unlikely the 24-year-old will hold down a regular spot under his manager, with Diogo Dalot now first choice.
United are still believed to be on the hunt for a new right-back and had the chance to sign Ten Hag's former Ajax star Sergino Dest from Barcelona. The 21-year-old eventually joined AC Milan on loan as any deal for United was dependent on Wan-Bissaka being sold first.
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Ten Hag was seemingly prepared to be patient over a transfer, though, given United's willingness to back him elsewhere in the market. Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia and Antony were all bought on Ten Hag's recommendation and were not previously players being considered by the club's recruitment team.
Speaking the day before the transfer deadline, Ten Hag said: “Aaron showed in the past that he is a constant factor at United. I haven’t seen him that much because he was injured in pre-season. What I heard and what I noticed from the past, he is a good option. He’s been training and needs to compete for the position.”
While he has backed down over Wan-Bissaka's departure, it may have only delayed his exit for a few months until the January window reopens. United still have Victor Lindelof as an option to cover Dalot if needed, as well as youngster Brandon Williams, but Ten Hag would likely want to sign another right-back before letting Wan-Bissaka go. Palace are interested in taking him back to Selhurst Park while West Ham are also keen.
United have now reportedly switched attentions to former Atletico Madrid star Santiago Arias, who is currently a free agent. The 30-year Colombian international was most recently plying his trade for Granada on loan from Atleti before his contract at the Wanda Metropolitano was terminated during the summer.
