Contract talks between United and Aaron Wan-Bissaka appear to have gone quiet.
Negotiations over a new deal looked to be heading for a positive conclusion once the transfer window closed in the summer, but Confidential understands it now seems more likely that United will trigger a 12-month extension to keep Wan-Bissaka under contract until June 2025 and look at his situation again in the New Year.
The 25-year-old defender has just returned to training after suffering a hamstring injury in mid-September, and United want him to get fully fit while they focus on overcoming a poor start to the season.
Wan-Bissaka is close friends with Jadon Sancho and flew to New York with the exiled United star last month, but it’s unlikely that manager Erik ten Hag would hold that against him.
If United didn’t activate the one-year contract extension for Wan-Bissaka – or Victor Lindelof – both players would be able to speak to foreign clubs on January 1 and leave as free agents in the summer. Anthony Martial is in the same boat, but it’s unclear if the club will extend his deal too.
Manchester United right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s proposed contract talks are now on hold
It seems more likely that United will trigger a 12-month extension to keep Wan-Bissaka instead
Onana keeps options open
Things are looking up for Andre Onana after a shaky start at Manchester United.
He was the only United player to emerge from the Manchester derby with any credit on the back of his penalty heroics against FC Copenhagen and a solid performance at Sheffield United.
On Monday night, Onana came 23rd in the Ballon d’Or vote, one of only two goalkeepers on the list. Still, it remains to be seen if the Cameroon international goes to the Africa Cup of Nations in January and February.
Onana is believed to be willing to go to the tournament in Ivory Coast, but it could cost him up to seven games with United. Given that Ten Hag has signed a very capable No 2 in Altay Bayindir, that will have to be a consideration.
Andre Onana (left) is still weighing up whether or not to be part of Cameroon’s AFCON squad
Steward sacked over Palestine promise
A casual steward at United has been sacked after he vowed to help fans bring Palestine flags into Old Trafford for upcoming matches.
A user on X by the name of Ismail posted a screenshot of an email from an official Manchester United account saying he will ‘not receive any further…