With a daunting series of fixtures looming on the horizon for the Hammers, including critical clashes against formidable opponents like Newcastle and Arsenal, that hard-fought three points against Manchester United could prove to be a pivotal moment in their season. The importance of that victory cannot be overstated, especially as it should serve as a significant confidence booster for the players. I fully expect to see notable improvements in their performance moving forward, spurred on by the positive momentum generated by this win.
One player, in particular, delivered a truly exceptional performance that deserves to be highlighted. While many may point to Crysencio Summerville’s impressive impact after coming on, it was another player who truly stole the show for me.
Since joining the Hammers, this player has faced a struggle to find his top form, and it initially appeared that he might continue to underwhelm during the first half of the match. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has often been deployed in an unorthodox role, found himself pushed high up the pitch early on—a tactic that simply wasn’t working for West Ham. It’s becoming increasingly frustrating to witness Lopetegui utilize him almost as a right winger, as that strategy has failed to yield results. However, credit must be given where it’s due; Lopetegui adjusted his approach, reverting Wan-Bissaka back to a more traditional defensive full-back role for the second half.
This tactical switch allowed Wan-Bissaka to return to his natural game, and he proceeded to deliver one of the most impressive defensive performances I have seen in recent memory. To be fair, he had already shown signs of improvement in the previous week’s match against Tottenham, but his display on Sunday elevated his performance to an entirely new level.
In terms of statistics, Wan-Bissaka had a remarkable outing: he recorded 74 touches, made two crucial interceptions, executed seven clearances, won one aerial duel, and successfully completed three dribbles, as noted by Who Scored. For the £15 million West Ham invested in the 26-year-old, this appears to be an absolute steal.
Nonetheless, I must emphasize that Lopetegui needs to abandon the idea of using Aaron Wan-Bissaka as an attacking wing-back. When the former Manchester United star reverted to a traditional right-back position in the second half, it was clear that he thrived in that role, displaying far more effectiveness than he had in the first 45 minutes.
It’s likely that Manchester United fans were left scratching their heads after yesterday’s match, questioning Erik ten Hag’s decision to let this talented right-back go in the summer. Such choices could very well contribute to mounting pressures on the Dutch manager, potentially jeopardizing his position at the club. In my opinion, Wan-Bissaka is the best one-on-one defender in the Premier League, and his outstanding performance played a crucial role in West Ham’s impressive 2-1 victory over Manchester United. As the Hammers navigate their challenging schedule ahead, this kind of defensive prowess will be essential to their success.