How a fan chant boosts Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Aaron Wan-Bissaka was a fans' favourite at Crystal Palace and he's hoping to develop the same rapport with Manchester United supporters after completing his transfer to Old Trafford.
Part of Palace’s academy from the age of 11, Aaron was even given his own chant by the Selhurst Park faithful and when he spoke about it after his Reds unveiling, the 21-year-old admitted it has always given him an extra boost whenever he steps onto the football pitch.
“I couldn’t believe it because it came so early [in my career],” he said, referring to the song which turns the chorus of The Clash's Rock The Casbah into 'Wan-Bissaka, Wan-Bissaka.'
“The fans just started singing it and it made my day. I buzz off that in games. It gives me confidence to go in for another challenge, it gives me confidence to go forward and to just play my game every time I hear it.”
The full-back made his debut for the Eagles in February 2018, with his second appearance coming when the Reds rocked up at Selhurst Park in the following month.
On that occasion, United managed to rescue a 3-2 victory, which was completed by the club's 2017/18 Goal of the Season winner from Nemanja Matic.
“That was a good experience,” Aaron reflected. “It was a test for me and I think challenges against me help me as a player. I took a lot from that game.”
FAMILIAR FACES
In the 18 months since that game, Wan-Bissaka has gone on to become one of the hottest young English prospects.
Last season, he made just shy of 40 appearances in all competitions and helped the Eagles notch impressive wins against Manchester City and Arsenal en route to securing Premier League survival.
Most recently, he was selected to be part of Aidy Boothroyd’s squad for the UEFA Under-21 Championships in Italy, where he linked up with fellow United player, Dean Henderson.
“I know Dean Henderson from England [Under-21s] and he is a good lad. He looked after me out there.”
GETTING TO KNOW THE GAFFER
Aaron is United’s second acquisition of the summer, after the arrival of Daniel James on 12 June, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer aims to bolster his squad ahead of our opening Premier League fixture against Chelsea on 11 August.
Having spoken to the boss, the Reds' new defender is looking forward to working with the Norwegian and discovering how he can develop his game further.
“Yeah it is an exciting plan. I can’t wait to get started and, as I said, I can learn from the more experienced players as well. Ole's plan also helped me to make my decision to come and I knew at the same time that I could develop even more with that decision.”
PLAYING AT OLD TRAFFORD
After spending his playing career down in London, Aaron's arrival in Manchester marks the beginning of a new chapter in his life and he is eager to get to know the city and cannot wait to walk out at Old Trafford with the United jersey on for the first time.
“London is where I grew up, but right now this is a new challenge for me and something that I need to focus on.
“I don’t know much about Manchester as a city yet, there is still a lot to learn and I am excited for it.
"Playing at Old Trafford for the first time with United will be different, but you know it is something I came here to do. I think it will be a good experience and a new chapter.
“The club's history excites me,” he added. “I can't wait to be a part of it.”
THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY
Finally, with this being one of the biggest moments in Wan-Bissaka's career to date, the defender paid tribute to his family, as the 21-year-old admitted how they were big influences in him making the decision to sign for the Reds.
“They have been part of the journey from the start and, you know, I can’t thank them enough. I am grateful for the opportunity that they have given me to take.”
EXCLUSIVE WAN-BISSAKA VIDEO
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