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Aaron Wan-Bissaka has commented on his decision to leave Manchester United in the summer for the first time since joining West Ham.
The 26-year-old signed for the Hammers on a seven-year contract for a fee of £15milllion in August.
After 130 appearances for United between 2019 and 2024, the right back opened up on his exit.
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Aaron Wan-Bissaka and his Early Struggles
‘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,’ he said.
‘Because Manchester’s smaller, everyone’s aware of everything that’s happening.
‘You have to be mentally strong to avoid the negative stuff it comes with.’
He noted that Manchester was much quieter than London, which made him feel isolated.
In his early days at United, Wan-Bissaka found himself travelling to London after training and back to Manchester the same evening.
He realised that this pattern was unsustainable and eventually tried to settle in Manchester.
Second Season and Crystal Palace Departure
Wan-Bissaka mentioned that the weight of the United shirt was apparent in his first season, as he recalled the nerves of sharing a dressing room with superstars such as Paul Pogba and David de Gea.
However, after becoming a father early in his second season, he explained that he came back to Carrington a different beast.
‘I came back as a man. More mature, more grounded, more focused,’ he said to Standard Sport.
When asked if he thought his move away from Crystal Palace came too early, he admitted that he often pondered if this was the case.
Ultimately, he accepted that the chance to play at Old Trafford every other week was a rare opportunity that he could not pass up.
‘I’ve thought about that. It could have gone any way,’ he said.
‘I could have told myself it was too early but the other side of me was asking, “Is this opportunity going to come again?”
‘So, I thought, let me just take it. If it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out. At least I’d have tried and given it my all. That was my mentality.’
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Farewell to United
Despite United enduring their worst finish to a Premier League season ever in Erik ten Hag’s last full campaign (eighth), Wan-Bissaka noted that he has positive memories of his last year with the club.
His decision to leave was a difficult one, especially after winning two trophies in his final two seasons.
‘The experience of lifting [the cup], going through all of it in that moment, it’s something I’d like to get used to.
‘I just didn’t want that day to end.
‘I spoke to the club and they thought this opportunity was best for me. 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.
‘It could have gone another way. They said it in a way which kind of opened my eyes to see what was actually best for me.’
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