Hi everyone. The good weather here in Manchester has definitely made lockdown harder from a footballer’s point of view. We all just want to get out there!
In terms of coping with the current situation, my daily bike rides have been a big help. From a young age I’ve always enjoyed riding a bike. Of course, in my younger days it was just about riding it rather than doing it for fitness, but now it’s important in terms of staying on top of my fitness. And, since we only get an hour a day of outdoor exercise, I’ve learnt to really enjoy getting out there.
"These are strange times for all footballers, but we don’t have it that hard in comparison to a lot of people. We all recognise that, which has been reflected in the charity work we’ve been doing during lockdown."
In the meantime, the United lads are still spending a lot of time on the group chat. Everyone’s still getting involved. You’ve got quite a few jokers – Jesse, Scott, Phil and a lot of others. Literally the whole squad gets involved, keeping everyone updated and it’s definitely helpful that we’re in touch so much. It reminds us all that we’re not alone, we’re sticking together and getting through this as a squad.
These are strange times for all footballers, but obviously I know we don’t have it that hard in comparison to a lot of people. We all recognise that, which I think has been reflected in the charity work we’ve been doing during lockdown.
Harry has been helping to feed the elderly in his hometown, and that’s really good to see. It’s so good to have your captain setting that kind of example for you. It’s always good to give something back to communities. It makes me feel proud to give back. It’s great that a lot of footballers from different clubs have all come together as part of the #PlayersTogether movement during this crisis. I’ve spoken here before about how important it is for everyone to appreciate the NHS, but it’s great to be able to go further than just applauding them every Thursday night.
"A lot of kids look at footballers as heroes, but hopefully they can see that heroes aren’t necessarily just the ones they see on TV. Everyone can see what NHS and frontline workers are doing for us all."
While these heroes are out risking themselves for everyone else, for us footballers the situation is the same as it is for everyone else: stay inside, stay safe and we will give ourselves the best chance of getting back to normal sooner rather than later.
Take care and stay safe.
Aaron.
"When I first joined United and came up against him in training, he was doing things that I just really didn’t expect. I thought he’d go a certain way and he’d go the other way!"
FAN QUESTIONS
If you could play alongside one former United legend who would it be? (via @hiyab05994416)
Wow, that’s quite difficult! There have been a lot, but … I’ll say Paul Scholes. I always enjoyed watching him, particularly his technique and his composure on the ball, but his finishing was special. I always used to really like watching him playing for United and he’d be great to play alongside.
Any advice for a young RB on defending? (@Macca_MUFC)
I only became a defender quite late in my own development, and it took a lot of patience. You have to keep working on yourself non-stop, you have to keep testing yourself, even if it doesn’t go right. It took time for me to get success as a defender so, if you stick with it, eventually it will go right. Push yourself, always have faith and believe in yourself.
Who’s faster between Daniel James and Marcus Rashford? (via @KinatsVlogs)
(Laughs) I’d say over short distances it’s Marcus, but over longer distances it’s Daniel. They’re both rapid!
Who’s your toughest opponent in training? (via @thereddevil1012)
I’d say Marcus, yeah. He’s just so unpredictable. When I first joined United and came up against him in training, he was doing things that I just really didn’t expect. I thought he’d go a certain way and he’d go the other way, or I thought he was about to do one thing and he did another, so he’s really tricky to play against. I enjoy that though; it’s been really good for my own development to test myself against him and the other attackers we have at the club.
ASK AWB – YOUR QUESTIONS NEEDED
Each week during his stint as our guest contributor, Aaron will be answering supporters’ questions, so visit Twitter and post your questions using the hashtag #AskAWB and check back next week to see if yours was answered.