‘Mixed emotions’ – West Ham star previews first Manchester United meeting since summer transfer

Aaron Wan-Bissaka left Manchester United to sign for West Ham in the summer.

The former Crystal Palace right-back played a bit part role under Erik ten Hag last season, but it became clear throughout the injury-ridden campaign that Diogo Dalot was the preferred option.

Wan-Bissaka took the hint and left to secure regular playing time elsewhere. So far this season, he has made 8 appearances for the Hammers across all competitions (Premier League 8, Carabao Cup 1).

Sunday’s clash against Manchester United will be a special game for Wan-Bissaka, after leaving the club in a £15 million transfer.

Wan-Bissaka will be familiar with the strengths and abilities of his former team-mates, and he will also look forward to catching up with some of them.

Time for Aaron Wan-Bissaka to test himself against Alejandro Garnacho

West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui will hope Wan-Bissaka can keep his focus on the game rather than everything that surrounds.

Speaking to West Ham club media about facing United, Wan-Bissaka said: “It’ll be quite special. I haven’t seen them in a while so to come up against them it’ll be mixed emotions, you know, but the main focus is to come up with a win and produce a whole team performance.”

Wan-Bissaka will be tasked with keeping Alejandro Garnacho quite on the flank. It won’t be an easy task but we know from the defender’s time at Old Trafford that one of his biggest strengths is defending 1v1.

Garnacho has been United’s most lethal threat in attack this season. The Argentina international has scored five goals and provided four assists. His creativity is likely to cause problems for Lopetegui’s side.