Why Aaron Wan-Bissaka missed Man Utd vs Leeds in the Premier League

Aaron Wan-Bissaka was a surprise omission from the Manchester United squad for Wednesday night’s Premier League game against Leeds United.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Erik ten Hag confirmed Scott McTominay, Antony and Anthony Martial would be unavailable due to injury, but didn’t mention Wan-Bissaka among his absentees. It made the defender’s lack of involvement against Leeds even more surprising, with Diogo Dalot coming into the line-up.

Wan-Bissaka missed the match through illness, and the Red Devils will hope he’s back in time for the trip to Elland Road on Sunday. Wan-Bissaka had started every Premier League game since the World Cup, prior to Wednesday’s match, and had started 11 of the last 13 in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Dalot last started a league match for United on 6 November when they lost 3-1 to Aston Villa. Speaking to MUTV ahead of the clash with Leeds, Ten Hag said Dalot is fit to start despite suffering from a few knocks since club football resumed in December.

“From the return of the World Cup he struggled but played some games, then had a setback and now he is ready,” Ten Hag said. “In the last few days he’s been in team training and he’s ready to start.”

Elsewhere, Marcel Sabitzer started his first game for the club, coming in for the suspended Casemiro. Sabitzer was introduced off the bench in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace but made his full debut against Leeds.

United starting XI: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Fred, Fernandes, Sabitzer; Garnacho, Weghorst, Rashford.