“I Had No One” – Aaron Wan-Bissaka Opens Up on Man United Career and West Ham United Move | OneFootball

Wan-Bissaka’s Departure from Manchester United: A Fresh Start at West Ham

When Aaron Wan-Bissaka moved from Crystal Palace to Manchester United in 2019, he was regarded as one of the Premier League’s most promising young defenders. Arriving for an initial fee of £45 million, he became United’s priciest uncapped Englishman. But what seemed like a dream transfer quickly turned into a challenging journey of adaptation and resilience for the young defender. Reflecting on his time at Old Trafford, Wan-Bissaka’s experience provides insight into the pressure of playing for one of the world’s most scrutinised football clubs and the mental toll that comes with it.

Settling into Life in Manchester

Moving to Manchester at the age of 21, Wan-Bissaka found himself isolated, with only his PlayStation for company. He candidly shared with the Evening Standard, “It was difficult. Very difficult. I went [to Manchester] on my own and it was my first time moving away from home. I had no one up there, apart from my PlayStation.” The shift from a tight-knit south London environment to Manchester’s intense football culture left him frequently travelling back to London after training, a journey he eventually recognised as unsustainable.

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Wan-Bissaka’s journey took a positive turn when he decided to truly settle in Manchester. “It got tiring!” he admitted, realising that he needed to fully immerse himself in the club and city. Over time, he grew accustomed to the high-profile nature of Manchester United, gradually seeing himself as an integral part of the team, despite initial nervousness around players like Paul Pogba and David de Gea.

Personal Growth Amidst Professional Challenges

The Manchester United dressing room’s intense environment might have overwhelmed a younger Wan-Bissaka, but his second season saw him embracing the personal growth that came with fatherhood. “I came back as a man,” he reflected, noting how he became “more mature, more grounded, more focused.” Despite challenging moments under multiple managers, Wan-Bissaka’s commitment saw him return to form, culminating in his role in United’s FA Cup final win over Manchester City, a moment he cherishes deeply.

“The experience of lifting [the cup], going through all of it in that moment, it’s something I’d like to get used to,” he said, expressing his desire to experience more such highs in his career. However, as he entered the final stages of his contract, the decision to leave became inevitable, with United advising him that a transfer might be best for both his career and the club.

Embracing the Next Chapter at West Ham

Wan-Bissaka joined West Ham in a £15 million move, motivated by the clear pathway outlined by new Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui. Lopetegui, who had long admired the defender’s talent, explained his vision to Wan-Bissaka, encouraging him to be more expressive in the final third—a new challenge for the player renowned for his defensive prowess. “He was telling me that he wanted me to come, explaining his project, and it did persuade me,” Wan-Bissaka explained, highlighting the appeal of Lopetegui’s individual development plans for him.

Though West Ham’s season under Lopetegui has started with mixed results, Wan-Bissaka’s personal evolution as a defender with more attacking freedom aligns with modern demands of the full-back position. Known for his exceptional one-on-one defending skills, sharpened by his Crystal Palace days training against Wilfried Zaha, Wan-Bissaka has long faced criticism over his attacking ability—a challenge he embraces. “I thrive off doubters,” he says confidently. “That pushes me more.”

Giving Back: Wan-Bissaka’s Ambitions Beyond the Pitch

Aside from his on-field aspirations, Wan-Bissaka’s summer visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo underscores his commitment to creating opportunities for young players in his family’s home country. Setting up an academy, his goal is to build classrooms and football pitches, fostering a supportive environment for youth development. Reflecting on this visit, he described how it “opened my eyes, to see the differences in how they live and how we do here.”

This holistic view of his career and life highlights Wan-Bissaka’s growth from a young player in search of his identity to a mature athlete embracing new challenges and responsibilities. His journey from Manchester to London has been one of self-discovery, maturity, and ambition—qualities he now brings to West Ham.

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For Manchester United supporters, Wan-Bissaka’s departure is a bittersweet moment. Though his time at Old Trafford may not have reached the heights once hoped for, it’s hard to ignore the genuine effort and resilience he displayed amidst challenging times. Many fans will remember his standout performances, such as his defensive work in the FA Cup final, as evidence of his dedication. While he may not have been the offensive dynamo some envisioned, his defensive skills were invaluable on countless occasions.

His decision to join West Ham has left some United fans reflecting on what might have been if the club had better utilised his skill set. There’s a sense among fans that Wan-Bissaka’s career could be revitalised at West Ham, especially under Lopetegui’s guidance. The shift in roles, with more emphasis on contributing in the attacking third, could unlock a new dimension to his game that may even prompt questions about whether United truly maximised his potential.

For United supporters, Wan-Bissaka will be remembered as a player who gave everything during his time with the club, fighting through difficult circumstances and emerging stronger for it. As he now ventures into this fresh chapter, fans can only wish him well while contemplating what his continued growth might mean for West Ham—and perhaps one day, a reminder of what United may have let slip through their grasp.