No half-hearted challenges for Wan-Bissaka
Aaron Wan-Bissaka picked up where he left off last season, during Monday evening’s narrow 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The right-back, who enjoyed a good end to 2022/23, was one of United’s better performers in what turned out to be a tough assignment at Old Trafford.
Our no.29 made the only goal of the night, lobbing the ball over goalkeeper Jose Sa for Raphael Varane to head home the winner.
It was another contribution in the final third for Wan-Bissaka under manager Erik ten Hag and the former Crystal Palace defender is enjoying his football education with the Dutchman.
“It's been good, especially for myself. I've learned a lot under him. And there's more to come, more improvement to be done,” Wan-Bissaka told Inside United, our official monthly club magazine. The September edition featuring this full interview is on sale now.
“So, yeah, I'm happy. He's helped the team. You can see the team's transition has changed.
“On the pitch, just where to be at certain times, be more aggressive going forward, and just how I can help the team,” he continued, when asked by interviewer Sam Homewood what he’s learned.
“Since I've been under him, the manager has taught me a lot and you just want to improve more and keep learning more, especially from someone like him. So I've enjoyed that.”
An element of Aaron’s game that arguably didn’t require improvement was his tackling, with the United defender reckoned by many, including Tottenham’s James Maddison, as one of the sport’s finest in this regard.
The timing and toughness with which Wan-Bissaka approaches his defensive duties is something that comes naturally, although he admits that the compliments given to him have increased his belief he’s going to win the ball.
“I was never taught it, to be honest, it's just a natural thing. I realised that I was alright at tackling, like, age 18. And then it caught a few eyes so I started to focus more on it. And that's how I've got here,” added Aaron.
AWB could have had three assists!
Player highlights | Wan-Bissaka did brilliantly to set up Varane's winner - and he almost had two more assists...
“From the praise and the coaches, I gain confidence. So when the opportunity comes, I'm ready, you know.
“I'm not half hearted when it comes to going into a challenge.”
You can read the full Q&A with Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the September 2023 edition of Inside United, which is on sale now.
The magazine also features the full Marcus Rashford new-contract interview, in-depth profiles of Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana and extensive on-pitch and off-pitch reviews of Tour 2023. You can buy it here.