Aaron Wan-Bissaka was arguably the best player on the pitch as West Ham held Man United to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, with former team-mates having previously aired their frustrations
Aaron Wan-Bissaka of West Ham United in action during the Premier League match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford
Aaron Wan-Bissaka "frustrated" certain Man United players during his time at Old Trafford
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Former Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka returned to torment his former employers once more this week. But some among Ruben Amorim's squad likely weren't taken aback, considering their historical admiration for the full-back's abilities.
The 28-year-old was arguably the standout performer as West Ham held United to a 1-1 stalemate on Thursday. The player fondly dubbed 'The Spider' due to his exceptional tackling reach and knack for winning back possession effectively neutralised numerous attacking probes at Old Trafford.
Wan-Bissaka not only won 11 duels and registered 12 defensive actions, but he also contributed significantly to the Hammers' forward play. This marks another occasion where he has troubled the Red Devils since departing the club for a modest £15million last year.
The DR Congo international had maintained a perfect record against United while representing West Ham before Thursday's draw. However, certain individuals at the Theatre of Dreams likely anticipated his resurgence following the switch to east London.
Shortly after his £45m transfer from Crystal Palace in 2019, stories surfaced regarding "frustration" among the United squad. That was the sentiment expressed by United legend Darren Fletcher, who said players were baffled by their struggles to bypass the defender in training sessions.
"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," The Scot told Norway's TV2. "It's as if he refuses to let them pass.
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
Wan-Bissaka was arguably the best player on the field at Old Trafford on Thursday
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"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 disagreed when he approved Wan-Bissaka's bargain-bin transfer to West Ham in 2024. The defender departed United for just one-third of the fee they paid for him five years earlier and has flourished at his new club since.
As if to emphasise the potential error even further, Amorim could have benefited from additional full-back options in recent months. Amad has been transformed into a right-wing-back this campaign, but can occasionally fall short defensively.
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
The right-back has enjoyed a resurgence since joining West Ham last year
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Noussair Mazraoui has shown promise in spells, though fitness problems have disrupted his progress this season. The Morocco international is also expected to leave for the Africa Cup of Nations this month and will be unavailable for several weeks.
United's loss has been West Ham's gain, and the £15m fee paid last year looks like a bargain today. Wan-Bissaka was named West Ham's Player of the Season in his debut campaign in the capital, and he looks to be in contention for the accolade again this term.
Everything appears clearer with the benefit of hindsight, and it's important to remind Wan-Bissaka endured periods of poor form well before United offloaded him. Nevertheless, his recent performances against his former club have shown he perhaps had ability worth developing after all.