Fabrizio Romano Claims Manchester United Had A Replacement In Mind For First-Choice Defender

Manchester United Sacks manager Erik Ten Hag
Manchester United Sacks manager Erik Ten Hag

Transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed Manchester United were planning to offload Aaron Wan-Bissaka in January and already had a replacement lined up for him. However, thanks to his much-improved performances, the Red Devils ultimately decided against doing so.

Manchester United Had A Replacement In Place For Aaron Wan-Bissaka

In the first few months of his Manchester United spell, coach Erik ten Hag used Diogo Dalot as his first-choice right-back, leading to rumors that Wan-Bissaka would leave the club in January. On his YouTube channel, Romano confirmed the reports, stating that not only was Wan-Bissaka on his way out but United also had plans to replace him with Josip Juranovic.

Romano said:

Man Utd in November and December were looking for a new right-back. Wan-Bissaka was expected to leave and a new right-back to come after Wan-Bissaka had a very difficult first part of the season.

But he did very well in January and Man Utd decided to stay with him and [instead] invest money on [Wout] Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer. But we have to add one thing – they had a right-back in their hands, ready to be signed in case Wan-Bissaka was going to leave. That player was Josip Juranovic. Croatian right-back playing now for Union Berlin but he was at Celtic [at the time].”

Wan-Bissaka Close To Signing New Deal With United

Over the second half of the 2022-23 season, Wan-Bissaka ousted Dalot from the team and became Ten Hag’s first-choice right-back. Now, he is in talks with the club over a new deal.

Romano added:

The conversations between Man Utd and Wan-Bissaka’s camp over a new deal are ongoing. The agreement over a new contract is not done yet, but the conversation is on.

It’s a possibility for Man Utd and Wan-Bissaka to continue together and extend the contract.”

Wan-Bissaka’s current deal with the Mancunians runs out at the end of the season. However, the club hold the option for a one-year extension.

According to the Daily Mail, the 25-year-old’s new contract with the Red Devils would keep him at the club for a considerably longer period. A sizable bump over his current £100,000-a-week ($123,930) salary is also on the cards.

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