Wan-Bissaka's diary: I'm inspired by Michael Jordan
Hi everybody, I hope you’re all staying safe and continuing to follow the lockdown instructions. This will be my last weekly column before handing over to Luke Shaw, who will take it for the next few weeks.
Luke’s a really good guy who was a big help to me when I first joined United, and he’s also one of the jokers in the squad. Given that he’s also recently become a dad, I reckon he’ll be a having a very different lockdown experience to me, so I’m sure he’ll enjoy telling you all about that.
It’s been the same routine for me again in the last week, but yesterday I started watching The Last Dance, a big documentary about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.
I’m one episode in and already it’s so inspirational. You see this absolute legend of basketball, how he started, what he went through, what he had to do to get to the top of his sport, and you can’t help but be motivated.
During hard times, especially like we’re in now, it just makes you think about everything.
"You see this absolute legend of basketball, how he started, what he went through, what he had to do to get to the top of his sport, and you can’t help but be motivated."
Having so much time on my hands at the moment means I’ve been able to do a lot of reflecting, and it’s crazy to look at how much things have changed for me in the space of the last year.
As a kid, you want to reach the biggest clubs, but at times I didn’t think I was going to be able to do it. It looked impossible. When I think back to those times in my life, then look around at how things are now and who I play for, it really blows my mind.
I think about the future too, and there’s still so much more to come. That’s one thing you quickly learn at United: it never stops. This place never stands still and I can’t wait to get back to the training ground, see the lads and the staff again and really knuckle down.
Since I came to United, the coaching staff have been great. They all really know their stuff and they can make a difference to your game. Even a fraction of a percent improvement is worth getting, and I’m really excited about the chance to work on my game in any area I can.
The manager is a big part of that process too. Since day one at United, I’ve seen that Ole’s a manager who knows what he wants. You can see his intentions for the team. He wants every single player to improve and he’s given us all a steer on what we need to improve. That’s what you need, I think; a manager who will push you.
Personally, he’s encouraged me to go forward with confidence and express myself, and prior to the recent lockdown I think my attacking game was definitely improving. As I said, there’s a lot more to come from me, from us and I can’t wait to get back to it.
Until then, everyone stay safe and look after each other.
Aaron.
"Since day one at United, I’ve seen that Ole’s a manager who knows what he wants. He wants every single player to improve and he’s given us all a steer on what we need to improve."
What was your reaction when you first heard about United’s interest in you? [via @UTDTalha]
At the time I could have let it get to me, but I was totally focused on giving Crystal Palace my best. I couldn’t let it distract me. Obviously it made me think that my hard work and performances were getting attention, which was a really good sign, and that kept me going and I finished that season as Palace’s Player of the Year.
What’s it like knowing you play in front of the best keeper in the world? [via @utdsaeed]
You feel safe. You know he’s got your back and you’ve got to have his back. You’re part of that defensive unit and it feels great. I’ve played against United before with Palace and I remember some of the saves he’s made in those games. Outside United he’s viewed as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, definitely, and it’s so hard to get the ball past him. He’s so confident. You should see him in training, particularly in the small-sided games.
"Dani Alves, I think. I just liked the way he expressed himself throughout the whole game. He played in that amazing Barcelona team and he was a big part of the success they had."
Who is your all-time favourite defender to watch? [via @RealistYahz]
Dani Alves, I think. I just liked the way he expressed himself throughout the whole game. He played in that amazing Barcelona team and he was a big part of the success they had.
Do you have any hobbies or play any instruments? [via @CamMurUTD]
I really like gaming, but no instruments… well, I haven’t played one in years. I played the piano at high school. I’m alright, quite basic. It’s difficult to start off playing, tough to learn. I think Axel plays it too, actually.
How do you feel when watching highlights of your performances? [via @a_y_jesu]
Right now, it makes me miss the game. That’s the negative side of it, I guess. It makes me miss football a lot. But generally I do enjoy it, it’s really useful. It shows me how I’ve improved from last year, what I’ve done differently and what I can do better. I enjoy watching myself back, watching the team play, because you can see the improvements we’re making.
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