The writing looked on the wall for Aaron Wan-Bissaka in regard to his future at Manchester United.
Limited to just a few minutes of football since Erik ten Hag took over at the club, the right back has been linked with moves to West Ham, Wolves and Crystal Palace in the forthcoming 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 backup to Diogo Dalot.
It was also widely reported that the club were close to buying Barcelona’s Sergino Dest in the summer but simply left it too late to offload the Englishman.
But 90 minutes could have changed the entire situation.
With a hamstring injury keeping Dalot on the sidelines, Wan-Bissaka started against Burnley in the Carabao Cup fourth round tie and played superbly, a fact that did not go unnoticed by 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 this season he had a lot of illnesses and injuries, so running behind.
“From the restart on he is fit and he could train with the team and you see him progressing, his fitness levels getting better, his performance levels getting better and I’m really happy today with his performance.
“He gave an assist – especially the way he gave the assist – about his movement in the right moment and timing, and of course a great pass by Bruno, but the assist is great.
“I’m happy with his performance. He did good.”
A second chance for the former Palace man would relieve Ten Hag of a transfer headache and allow him to concentrate on strengthening up front, which must surely be the priority in the forthcoming window.
In that regard, all signs point to PSV’s Cody Gakpo, who should be available for under £50 million.
