Erik ten Hag clarified his decision-making process behind deploying Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the left-back position during Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur. Despite the team’s efforts leading to a draw, with goals from Rasmus Højlund and Marcus Rashford countered by Richarlison and Rodrigo Bentancur, there was intrigue surrounding Wan-Bissaka’s unusual placement.
The absence of Luke Shaw, still recovering from an injury, prompted Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka to take on the full-back roles. While Dalot had previously covered the left side, the surprise was Wan-Bissaka occupying that position. Ten Hag explained that their preparation had initially centered around Shaw at left-back. However, Shaw’s last-minute fitness test failure left the left-back spot open.
In response to this unforeseen situation, Ten Hag emphasized the impracticality of Wan-Bissaka learning Dalot’s instructions on the day of the game. Consequently, Wan-Bissaka seamlessly stepped into the vacant left-back position, a tactical adjustment necessitated by the late alteration in Shaw’s availability.