The reason Aaron Wan-Bissaka started the Manchester United match against Tottenham at left-back was due to the absence of Luke Shaw, who was still recovering from an injury. Diogo Dalot and Wan-Bissaka were assigned the full-back roles, with the initial plan focused on Shaw in the left-back position. However, Shaw’s last-minute fitness test failure necessitated a tactical adjustment, leading to Wan-Bissaka seamlessly stepping into the vacant left-back position.

Erik ten Hag clarified his decision to place Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the left-back position during Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

With Luke Shaw still recovering from an injury, Diogo Dalot and Wan-Bissaka filled in as full-backs.

Ten Hag explained that their initial plan revolved around Shaw at left-back, but his last-minute fitness test failure led to Wan-Bissaka adapting to the unexpected situation, avoiding the impracticality of learning Dalot’s instructions on the game day.