Aaron Wan-Bissaka continued his undefeated streak against former employers Manchester United this week, sending the latest message that his exit may have been a mistake
West Ham United's English defender #29 Aaron Wan-Bissaka takes a throw-in during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford
Aaron Wan-Bissaka once "frustrated" his Manchester United team-mates before leaving the club
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Former Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka once again came back to haunt his old club this week. And some stars in Ruben Amorim's squad won't be surprised, given their past praise for the full-back's talent.
The 28-year-old was arguably the best player on the pitch as West Ham frustrated United to a 1-1 draw on Thursday. The man affectionately known as 'The Spider' for his tackling range and ability to regain possession did a job in squashing a litany of attacks from his old side back at Old Trafford.
Not only did Wan-Bissaka win 11 duels and make 12 defensive contributions, but he also played a prominent role in attack for the Hammers. And it's not the first time he's frustrated the Red Devils since leaving the club for just £15million last year.
In fact, the DR Congo international boasted a 100 per cent record against United playing for West Ham prior to Friday's draw. But there are some at the Theatre of Dreams who won't be shocked to have witnessed his impact since moving to east London.
It wasn't long after his £45m move from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2019 that reports emerged of "frustration" within the United camp. That was according to United icon Darren Fletcher, who suggested team-mates were flummoxed by their inability to get past the defender.
"I was talking to some Manchester United players, and they were saying that no player has managed to pass Wan-Bissaka in training this season," he told Norway's TV2. "It's as if he refuses to let them pass.
"He has to get better technically, but he is a fantastic full-back. When he gets better technically, he's going to take his game to a new level. He is a fantastic defensive player and contributor for Manchester United."
Erik ten Hag clearly didn't agree when he sanctioned Wan-Bissaka's cut-price sale to West Ham in 2024. The full-back left United for a third of the fee they acquired him for five years prior and has shone for his new club since then.
Matheus Cunha of Manchester United and Tomas Soucek of West Ham United and Aaron Wan-Bissaka of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and West Ham United
Wan-Bissaka was arguably the best player on the pitch against United
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As if to highlight the potential misstep even more, Amorim could have done with an additional full-back presence in recent times. Amad Diallo has been converted into a right wing-back this term but can leave a little to be desired in defence.
Noussair Mazraoui has impressed in patches, though injury setbacks have curtailed his momentum this term. The Morocco international is also set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations this month and will be unavailable for several weeks.
Everything looks better in hindsight, and it's worth remembering Wan-Bissaka displayed dips in form long prior to being sold by United. However, his recent displays against his old side have demonstrated he perhaps had a talent worth nurturing after all.
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