Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag sends message to Aaron Wan-Bissaka amid Diogo Dalot form

Erik ten Hag insists he has faith in Aaron Wan-Bissaka as the right-back prepares to stay at Manchester United.

United have been open to jettisoning Wan-Bissaka this summer but have lacked a concrete offer for a right-back they signed for £45million rising to £50m in 2019.

Wan-Bissaka lost his status as first-choice right-back to Diogo Dalot in December and he has only started in five of United's last 29 Premier League games.

Also read: Why United spent so much late in the transfer window

United have held exploratory discussions with Barcelona right-back Sergino Dest but a move depends on whether there is a taker for Wan-Bissaka.

Ten Hag indicated on Thursday Wan-Bissaka would stay at United beyond Thursday's 11pm transfer deadline.

"Aaron showed in the past that he is a constant factor at United," Ten Hag said. "I have trust in him. I haven’t seen him that much because over a longer period he was injured in pre-season. I didn’t have the chance to see him.

"What I heard and what I noticed from the past, he is a good option. He’s been training and needs to compete for the position."

United are set to end the transfer window with six signings - a back-up goalkeeper, a full-back, a centre-back, a defensive midfielder, an attacking midfielder and a winger.

Confirmation of deals for Newcastle 'keeper Martin Dubravka and Antony from Ajax are expected on Thursday, with the pair in line to be involved against Arsenal on Sunday.

Ten Hag missed out on prime target Frenkie de Jong, whose wage deferral at Barcelona proved to be an insurmountable stumbling block in United's negotiations.

"I think we’ve strengthened the squad, that is clear," Ten Hag added. "As a manager, you always want more. What I demand from my players, I have to