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Football Insider

Aaron Wan-Bissaka's Manchester United Journey: Navigating Mixed Messages from Coaches

Delve into the complexities of Aaron Wan-Bissaka's time at Manchester United, as he reveals the challenges he faced under different managers and the eventual move to West Ham.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka's Manchester United Journey: Navigating Mixed Messages from Coaches

Aaron Wan-Bissaka has lifted the lid on his complicated relationship with former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag and explained what led to him leaving the Red Devils to join West Ham in 2024. Wan-Bissaka joined United in 2019 from Crystal Palace for £50m but he has revealed how difficult it was for him to settle in at the club despite him getting on with then coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.Wan-Bissaka is remembered by United fans for his outstanding one-v-one defending ability although he struggled to lock down his place in the team, having an intriguing battle with Diogo Dalot until deciding to leave Old Trafford in 2024 to join the Hammers in a £15 move. In his five seasons he started 120 out of a potential 190 Premier League matches. He signed off with two goals and 13 assists in all competitions, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.Speaking to The Daily Mail, Wan-Bissaka has opened up on his time at United and made some intriguing revelations about his relationship with his coaches.Wan Bissaka said: "It was difficult when Erik ten Hag arrived - as soon as he did, he told me I wasn’t in his plans. But when I tried to leave, he said he didn’t want me to go. I couldn't understand it. That was tough mentally, because it left me wondering what I was supposed to do next. I just kept my head down and told myself to keep training, keep improving, and play my game. "Staying motivated was hard though, especially when you’re training without the clear goal of playing. But the people around me guided me in the right way and encouraged me to keep going. Eventually things turned around and started to improve. You could say I changed or developed tactically under him, because that was something he wanted."Solskjaer was the manager who signed Wan-Bissaka in the same summer that Harry Maguire arrived for £80m. The right-back said he and the whole squad got on with the Norwegian, who he worked with for two full seasons and the first four months of the 2021-22 campaign, when Solskjaer was sacked as results spiralled out of control. Ralf Rangnick replaced Solskjaer until the end of the season and the Austrian coach did not show much faith in Wan-Bissaka.He explained: 'My relationship with Ole was good from the start. He’s a great person and we got along really well, and I think the rest of the players felt the same about him. He’s the kind of manager who backs you straight away. Once he gives you a job to do, it’s up to you to trust yourself and go out and deliver it. " Obviously, it’s football, every manager has their preferences. They might like you or they might not, and that’s just part of the game. When he (Rangnick) came in, it wasn’t the best period for me and there was a lot of criticism around…"Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingWan-Bissaka worked with Michael Carrick for the three matches between Solskjaer leaving and Rangnick arriving. United beat Arsenal and Villarreal while drawing at Chelsea. Carrick has picked up where he left off since succeeding Ruben Amorim in January, winning five out of his matches including beating Manchester City and Arsenal. And Wan-Bissaka believes the former United midfielder should be given the job on a permanent basis."He's someone you can trust," Wan-Bissaka said. "He will also trust you back if you buy into him and what he's looking to do. If you trust him, he will trust you. 'He was quite simple in what he wanted from you. The boys were happy with him and the games he had when he was the manager. With him back at the club now, they are in a good place as a team. I think he should be given the full-time role. I think he deserves it."

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Struggles Under Erik ten Hag

Upon Erik ten Hag's arrival at Manchester United, Wan-Bissaka found himself in a bewildering situation. Initially told he wasn't in the manager's plans, he later received conflicting messages when he expressed his desire to leave. This ambiguity took a toll on Wan-Bissaka's mental well-being, raising doubts about his future at the club. However, with resilient perseverance and support from those around him, Wan-Bissaka embraced the tactical changes demanded of him and gradually found his footing.

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Positive Relationship with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

In contrast, Wan-Bissaka's rapport with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remained a source of stability for the player. Solskjaer's trusting and supportive nature resonated well with Wan-Bissaka and the rest of the squad. The former United boss provided a conducive environment for Wan-Bissaka to thrive and showcase his abilities on the pitch. Despite Solskjaer's eventual departure, his impact on Wan-Bissaka's development and confidence was evidently profound.

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Challenges Under Ralf Rangnick

The arrival of Ralf Rangnick brought about a period of uncertainty for Wan-Bissaka, characterized by reduced playing time and external criticism. The shift in managerial preferences and the ensuing struggles tested Wan-Bissaka's resilience once more. Amidst this turbulent phase, Wan-Bissaka navigated the transitional period under Rangnick, adapting to new demands while striving to prove his worth in the team.

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Endorsement for Michael Carrick

Following interim spells under Michael Carrick, Wan-Bissaka voiced his support for the former United midfielder to take on the managerial role permanently. Praising Carrick's trust-based approach and simplicity in conveying expectations, Wan-Bissaka highlighted the positive impact Carrick had on the team dynamics and performance. His endorsement reflects the belief in Carrick's managerial potential and the positive trajectory he set for Manchester United.

Published on Feb 27, 2026