West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka opens up on difficult Man United departure

Apart from plenty of new players being signed over the summer, Manchester United also bid farewell to a lot of high-profile names with one of them Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

After lengthy negotiations, West Ham United signed the right-back with the Red Devils choosing to bring in Noussair Mazraoui to replace him.

While often being hailed as one of the best defenders during one-on-one situations, the former Crystal Palace star failed to improve going forward, a prerequisite in the modern game.

He managed only a couple of Premier League goals and 13 assists in five years which is why Erik ten Hag opted to stick with Diogo Dalot and out went the 26-year-old, who will face his former employers on Sunday at the London Stadium.

AWB interview

During an interview with Sky Sports, he was asked about his choice to leave Old Trafford and he admitted it was “difficult to leave” but he felt proud of the journey he went through during that time.

“It’s always difficult to leave, it’s not a simple decision and you have to think about the other stuff that comes with it.

“I’m proud. The whole journey. Whatever it’s come with. The ups and downs. Being able to get two cups out of it. Going through that experience was amazing.”

And it could not have ended on a better note with the 20-time English league champions winning the FA Cup final against their cross-town rivals Manchester City at Wembley.

“It was a great team performance. Even going into that game we had a good feeling that we would get something out of this. To end it [his Manchester United career] with a trophy, I can’t have asked for anything better.”

Looking forward to United clash

The right-back will know all about his former outfit and will look to pass on that knowledge to his beleaguered teammates with the Hammers also struggling in the new season.

“It will be a great challenge, I know what they’re capable of, having trained with them every day, so I know what to expect. We have to be prepared. It’s a team game and I can only give my best and try to help the team.”

Wan-Bissaka has always been a man of few words and that did not perhaps help his prospects at times. But fans will appreciate the effort he put in during his time in Manchester.

But on Sunday, United’s wide men will have to be at their best to get the better of the Croydon-born defender. Hopefully, Ten Hag’s side can notch back-to-back league wins for the first time this season.