Aaron Wan-Bissaka's standing at Manchester United was evident from the response he garnered from several of his ex-colleagues. Making his first appearance at Old Trafford last May following his 2024 transfer to West Ham, the right-back enjoyed a successful homecoming.
The Hammers secured a 2-0 triumph courtesy of strikes from Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen. The 28-year-old set up the West Ham skipper's goal and received acclaim for his display in the club's first win across nine fixtures. Wan Bissaka - who spent half a decade at United - shared images on Instagram following the result, posting pictures from pre-match and during the encounter.
His message stated: "Big W. Thanks for the warm reception today OT." The upload proved popular amongst numerous former colleagues, with six United players at that time engaging with the post. Present stars including Lisandro Martinez and Goodwill Kukoni featured in that number, whilst the likes of Antony, Marcus Rashford, Andre Onana and Alejandro Garnacho also showed their appreciation for the defender's update.
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Former United stars David De Gea, Mason Greenwood, Willy Kambwala, Alvaro Carreras, Sofyan Amrabat, Brandon Williams and Shola Shoretire all responded to the post. West Ham secured 14th place during Wan-Bissaka's debut campaign, with then-Hammers manager Graham Potter insisting the DR Congo international was producing the finest football of his career.
"He's been really impressive," the Englishman said. "As I've said before, I can't say this categorically because I don't know Aaron's career, but I can't imagine he's played as well [before] as he has for us at this point in his career.
"He looks like he's enjoying his football. He gives a lot to the team, really pleased with what he's giving to the team offensively and defensively. As I said, it looks like he's enjoying his football. And that's not easy because the results we've had haven't been that enjoyable. But nevertheless, his individual performances have been strong."
During his five years at Old Trafford, Wan-Bissaka made 190 appearances for United, netting twice and contributing 13 assists. While the full-back is expected to feature on Saturday as West Ham face Liverpool at Anfield, two of his previous clubs meet on Sunday when United welcome Crystal Palace.
Michael Carrick's team will have the chance to bolster their pursuit of Champions League qualification, which received a boost from their slender 1-0 victory at Everton on Monday. Benjamin Sesko's decisive strike at Hill Dickinson Stadium represented the forward's fifth goal across his previous seven league fixtures.