Wan-Bissaka Reflects on Leaving Manchester United, Embracing a New Chapter with Julen Lopetegui at West Ham

Former Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka opens up about his journey at Old Trafford, his decision to join West Ham, and adapting to life under manager Julen Lopetegui.

With raw honesty, Wan-Bissaka reflects on the mental and emotional challenges of his high-profile move from Crystal Palace to United, his evolving mindset, and his excitement for this next chapter with West Ham.

From Crystal Palace Prodigy to Old Trafford’s Spotlight

In the summer of 2019, a promising 21-year-old Wan-Bissaka transitioned from Crystal Palace to the world’s most-watched stage at Manchester United. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær saw immense potential in the young defender, describing him as “one of the best upcoming defenders in the Premier League.” The hefty £45 million transfer price—a record for an uncapped English player—marked the high expectations placed upon the full-back. However, adjusting to life in Manchester proved challenging, particularly for a player just a season into senior football.

Reflecting on the early days at United, Wan-Bissaka admits, “It was difficult. Very difficult. I went [to Manchester] on my own and it was my first time moving away from home. I had no one up there, apart from my PlayStation.” Used to the bustling streets of London, he found Manchester both quieter and more intense, with the city’s close-knit atmosphere intensifying the pressure of playing for such a storied club. “Because Manchester’s smaller, everyone’s aware of everything that’s happening,” he explains. “You have to be mentally strong to avoid the negative stuff it comes with.”

Personal Growth and Reflection

While Wan-Bissaka struggled with isolation early on, he found solace in frequent trips back to London. Often, he would make the lengthy commute south after training just to reconnect with friends and family before returning north for his next session. “It got tiring! It wasn’t the right idea for me to be doing that,” he recalls. With time, however, he learned to embrace life in Manchester, gaining confidence alongside seasoned players like Paul Pogba and David de Gea. His second season brought a major personal milestone, as he became a father, instilling a newfound maturity and focus.

Reflecting on the timing of his move to United, Wan-Bissaka shares, “I’ve thought about that. It could have gone any way. I could have told myself it was too early but the other side of me was asking, ‘Is this opportunity going to come again?’” His mentality was clear: he wanted to give it his all, regardless of the outcome.

Finding Closure and Moving On

Wan-Bissaka’s time under Erik ten Hag brought challenges as he initially struggled to fit into the Dutchman’s tactical plans. Yet, a late resurgence saw him end last season as a regular starter and FA Cup winner. The experience of lifting the cup left a lasting impact. “The experience of lifting [the cup], going through all of it in that moment, it’s something I’d like to get used to,” he says.

When West Ham’s offer materialized, the decision wasn’t straightforward. “I spoke to the club and they thought this opportunity was best for me,” Wan-Bissaka reveals. “They gave me some time to think about it. In the moment, I didn’t, but I spoke to family and friends about it, and we all decided it was the right time.” With a year left on his United contract and competition for his spot intensifying, the move provided a fresh start at West Ham, allowing United to pursue other transfer priorities.

A Return to London, a Fresh Perspective

Wan-Bissaka’s return to London marks a new beginning, but with an awareness of the potential distractions that once affected him. “You know how London is,” he says. “There are a lot of distractions. It was happening at the start of my Palace career. Just not taking care of my body right, the food I ate and what I did with my spare time.” This time, however, he’s more grounded, focused, and living closer to West Ham’s training ground, a choice informed by past lessons.

Spending time in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the offseason also had a transformative impact. In setting up an academy in the country where his parents were born, he felt a powerful connection to his roots. “It was great,” he says of his visit. “Our aim is to build classrooms, pitches, just to give people an opportunity to train and learn in nice facilities. Give them the opportunity that we have here.”

Under Lopetegui’s Guidance: A New Style of Play

Wan-Bissaka’s reunion with London is paralleled by a new professional relationship with West Ham’s manager, Julen Lopetegui, who had shown interest in signing him previously at Wolves. This time, Wan-Bissaka was ready, inspired by Lopetegui’s vision. “He was telling me that he wanted me to come, explaining his project, and it did persuade me,” Wan-Bissaka says. Lopetegui’s plan to integrate Wan-Bissaka’s defensive strengths and develop his attacking capabilities excited the defender.

Known as one of the league’s top one-on-one defenders, Wan-Bissaka is eager to expand his skill set. “I thrive off doubters,” he says. “That pushes me more.” The shift in expectations has been met with mixed reactions from fans, who value his defensive solidity. Yet, Wan-Bissaka is committed to balancing his defending with the more adventurous role that Lopetegui envisions, and he takes pride in earning respect from opponents, with stars like Jack Grealish naming him as one of the toughest defenders to face.

At 26, Wan-Bissaka is both a seasoned player and one who continues to grow with the changing demands of his position. Reflecting on his transition, he notes, “Hearing other ages, players born in 2005, I can’t get my head around it. But life just keeps going, so we all have to grow up.” With Lopetegui’s backing and a refreshed mindset, Wan-Bissaka is ready for the challenges ahead, eager to contribute to West Ham’s ambitions and prove himself in this new chapter.

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