Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been approached by a team from the Democratic Republic of Congo, sparking speculation about a potential shift in his international allegiance from England. While it remains uncertain whether Wan-Bissaka will accept the offer, his decision could impact Manchester United negatively.
The upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2024, scheduled from January to February in Ivory Coast, poses a challenge for Manchester United. If Wan-Bissaka opts to represent Congo, he might be unavailable for over a month, disrupting United’s defensive lineup. Additionally, the team’s first-choice goalkeeper, Andre Onana, is also expected to participate in AFCON as he represents Cameroon.
The absence of key players like Wan-Bissaka and Onana during AFCON could create significant challenges for Manchester United. Other players from the club, namely Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia), Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco), and Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), may also be called up by their respective national teams for the tournament.
Despite facing injuries earlier in the season, Wan-Bissaka has regained fitness and aims to secure a regular spot in manager Erik ten Hag’s starting XI. As the last season of his current contract unfolds at Old Trafford, uncertainty clouds Wan-Bissaka’s future. The club holds the option of activating a 12-month stretch clause in his existing contract instead of negotiating a new long-term deal.
The dynamics of player availability and contractual situations add an element of uncertainty to Manchester United’s planning. As AFCON 2024 approaches, the club may need to navigate the challenges posed by potential player absences and contractual decisions, impacting the team’s stability and strategy for the season ahead.
