Wan-Bissaka worked hard on his recovery
Wednesday's Carabao Cup exit to Newcastle United was a night to forget for Manchester United but Aaron Wan-Bissaka's return after an injury lay-off was a result of his endeavour behind the scenes to come back ahead of schedule.
The right-back started the season in impressive fashion but had been out since the home game with Brighton & Hove Albion in mid-September, after coming on as a substitute in the 3-1 defeat.
After being named on the bench for the fourth-round tie with the Magpies, the defender was introduced in place of Diogo Dalot at the break and will hopefully remain in contention as we approach away games against Fulham and FC Copenhagen.
Speaking before the game to club media, Wan-Bissaka explained how the timing was frustrating to sustain the injury but he has worked hard behind the scenes in order to regain fitness and continue developing under Erik ten Hag.
"Things were going in the right direction," he told us. "I’d had pre-season and was looking forward to getting the games under my belt. I’d been playing, so it was unfortunate to pick up an injury at that particular time.
"I was happy with how I started the season but it’s not just about me, it’s the team. I couldn’t have done it without the team helping me and helping the team. I always just aim to keep going and keep pushing.
"I was working hard, getting my head down and trying to get back quicker than expected," he admitted.
"I don’t find it easy, watching rather than playing. I hate it because I just miss being out there. You know, even when I come into training and doing the rehab, just seeing the boys getting ready for training. At that point, it hits me but I had to keep pushing to get back fit.
"The support staff helped me a lot, pushing me and motivating me to get back quicker and also to improve during the rehab. It’s not good to be off the pitch and in the treatment room but, obviously, that comes with football."
Wan-Bissaka will be looking to get back into the groove as quickly as possible, with the trip to his native London next on the agenda, as the Reds look to recover from back-to-back home defeats in the lunchtime Premier League clash at Fulham's Craven Cottage.
"The manager wanted more from me so that’s what I’ve been aiming for and improving on," the 25-year-old added. "He’s happy with me, with all the development that I’ve had since he came in, so the aim is just to keep going and keep improving."