Wan-Bissaka explains why he decided to move to Manchester United

Paul Macdonald

• Updated: 20 May 2021 11:26 BST
• 2 min read

Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka has revealed exactly why he decided to move to the 20-time English champions 18 months ago.

The 23-year-old full-back made his name at boyhood club Crystal Palace back in the 2018/19 season after impressive throughout his 35 Premier League appearances for the Eagles.

His solid displays were enough for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to part with £50m in order to bring him to the Theatre of Dreams, and he’s gone on to become a regular in the United starting lineup.

Wan-Bissaka has become renowned for his defensive qualities throughout his time at Old Trafford, with his tackling ability earning him the nickname of ‘The Spider’ due to his ability to get an outstretched leg on the ball at any given moment.

However, the Englishman has struggled somewhat offensively. In the modern era, full-backs are required to provide attacking impetus in the final third on a regular basis, something United No.29 has not always been able to provide.

His two goals and eight assists in 97 top-flight appearances is a fairly poor return for an elite-level full-back, although the youngster has disclosed it’s an aspect of his game he is keen to improve.

“That’s why I came to this club,” Wan-Bissaka revealed in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports. “This club is capable of helping me with that. I want to become a better player every year.

“I don’t really focus on statistics at the time, but at the end of the season I look back and see if it’s better than the previous season, and the season before that.”

The former England U-21 international has undoubtedly improved the Red Devils defence since his arrival in the summer of 2019, and he’s played a pivotal part in their recent surge up the table. Solskjaer’s side are hoping to win their first Premier League title since 2013 this season, and Wan-Bissaka is confident that getting their hands on silverware remains a possibility.

“Of course, [winning the Premier League is the target], and a few cups to go with that as well,” he added. “It would mean a lot, especially after the club’s history of winning trophies, and a lot of them. It would be good to get back to that.

“The mood in the camp has been good. It wasn’t great taking in the loss (to Sheffield United) but we haven’t let it get us down or our chances to get our hands on the Premier League. Team spirit is still high, as long as we stick together, we can go back to the form we had before.”

United currently trail local rivals Manchester City by three points, having played an extra game than Pep Guardiola’s men.