How four days in Cambridge set Aaron Wan-Bissaka on path to Man Utd

Manchester United via Getty Imag
Jack Rosser @JackRosser_10 September 2019

Crystal Palace academy coach Shaun Derry has revealed how a four-day spell at League Two Cambridge United inspired Aaron Wan-Bissaka to kick on and begin his journey to Manchester United.

Derry, who was Cambridge manager at the time, was looking at potential loan prospects to bring in from Palace once the transfer window reopened, and had a young Wan-Bissaka spend a few days at their training ground.

A winger at the time, Wan-Bissaka was still some way from the £50million man impressing at Old Trafford, and even failed to turn up on time on one occasion.

Far from leaving Derry breathless, Wan-Bissaka returned to Palace having witnessed life outside the Premier League and used that as inspiration to drive on, moving to right-back before forcing his way into the first team and then north to Manchester and the England squad.

(Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United via Getty Imag

"Aaron came to Cambridge, the [transfer] window was shut so we couldn't sign anyone but we spoke about him coming out of this environment [Crystal Palace] and into a League Two environment," Derry said.

"We took him to Cambridge, he was a right winger at this time, we were looking for one and he spent four days with us. He was late!

"We had no food after training because we just didn't have any food at the training ground, we had no gym - one spin bike with a peddle hanging off was all we had - the grass was horrendous.

Wan-Bissaka completed his move to Man Utd on Saturday.
AP

"I remember thinking that the only value he will get from the four days' experience is what it will look like where he doesn't [want to be]: 'I don't want to go back there!'

"He came back and went straight through the roof. That added value, going to see different experiences."

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