"It's a nice fight..." - Ten Hag hints Man Utd star won't be sold in January

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has dropped a major hint that Aaron Wan-Bissaka won't be sold in the January transfer window.

Wan-Bissaka, 25, had looked likely to leave Old Trafford this month after managing only one short cameo appearance under Ten Hag prior to the winter break.

Wan-Bissaka had looked surplus to requirements after struggling for fitness earlier in the campaign, with Portugal international Diogo Dalot largely preferred at right-back by Ten Hag.

Reports had suggested that Wan-Bissaka, who only joined United in a £50m move from Crystal Palace in 2019, would be allowed to leave the club if a replacement could be found in January.

But it now appears that the defender has a future at Old Trafford after working his way back into the first-team following an injury to Dalot.

Wan-Bissaka has started each of United's last four matches since the winter break, including the successive Premier League wins against Nottingham Forest, Wolves and Bournemouth.

Dalot is now fit again and could replace Wan-Bissaka in United's starting line-up in their FA Cup third round tie against Everton on Friday.

Ten Hag praises Wan-Bissaka

Ten Hag says he is pleased with the competition for places at right-back and has praised Wan-Bissaka for his improvement in recent weeks.

"I like these problems," Ten Hag told MUTV, when asked about his potential selection headache.

"He is doing really well, Aaron, in the last few games. Defending really consistently.

"He is also reliable in offence. He has a part in it, he contributes well.

“It's a nice fight in the squad but also, we have a lot of games to cover, so we need them all."

Last month, Ten Hag insisted Wan-Bissaka was still part of his plans at Old Trafford after he helped United beat Burnley 2-0 in the Carabao Cup in their first match back after the winter break.

"It's clear, he has a future," said Ten Hag.

"He had some good years here at Man United, but from the start this season he had a lot of illnesses and injuries.

"From the restart on, he's fit, he could train with the team, and you see him progressing. His fitness level is getting better, his performance level is getting better and I'm really happy with his performance [against Burnley].

'If you then give an assist, especially the way he gave an assist, his movement in the right moment, the timing, great pass of course from Bruno, but the assist is great… So I'm happy with his performance, he did good."