Manchester United 'perform U-turn on Aaron Wan-Bissaka contract stance'

Manchester United are reportedly prepared to activate a 12-month extension in the contract of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

In 2019, United committed to a deal that could be worth £50m in order to secure the signature of the Crystal Palace right-back.

Although Wan-Bissaka has contributed two goals and 12 assists from his 165 appearances in all competitions, it cannot be claimed that he has lived up to his price tag.

There have been times under Erik ten Hag when the 25-year-old has been regarded as the clear backup to Diogo Dalot, who is the current incumbent in their chosen position.

Wan-Bissaka's cause to regain his place in the starting lineup has not been helped by a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined for five Premier League fixtures.

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That development came at a time when Wan-Bissaka is also bidding to earn a new contract at Old Trafford, with his current deal due to expire in 2024.

While club officials possess the option of extending those terms until 2025, it has been suggested that they have been leaning towards a sale in the past.

Instead, according to the Daily Mail, the most likely option is Wan-Bissaka's terms automatically being extended to 2025.

The report suggests that United have also tried and failed to agree fresh terms with the former England Under-21 international, who has decisions to make regarding his long-term future.

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Despite the prospect of always receiving adequate game time with United keen to compete in all competitions, Wan-Bissaka has not made more than 20 appearances in a single Premier League campaign since 2020-21.

United are reportedly prepared to hold another round of discussions over a new contract at the turn of the year, once Wan-Bissaka has made his return from injury.

The Red Devils have been heavily linked with a wide array of different right-backs over the past 12 months, yet Ten Hag may wish to prioritise other areas of the pitch.

As a result of United's ongoing FFP struggles, keeping Wan-Bissaka as competition for Dalot arguably provides greater value for money than signing a fresh face and potentially demoting Dalot to the substitutes' bench.