A right-back who departed Manchester United is now thriving at a different Premier League team

The Premier League is a ruthless proving ground. The demands are immense, and players who don't fit the system or perform at their peak often find themselves seeking opportunities elsewhere. At Manchester United, the competition is fierce, and many promising talents fail to establish themselves. Some, after leaving Old Trafford, find their footing at other clubs and demonstrate their true potential.

The latest example is Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The right-back, who arrived at United with a reputation as one of the brightest prospects in English football, never quite cemented his place as an undisputed starter. After several seasons at the club, the player has been involved in 4 goals in his 25 appearances for West Ham, more goal contributions than in his last 3 seasons combined in the Premier League with Manchester United.

Wan-Bissaka: From Benchwarmer to Key Player

Wan-Bissaka's situation at West Ham is drastically different. The right-back has become a regular in the starting eleven and is showcasing his quality in every match. His contributions in attack have surprised many, as he was primarily considered a defensive player at United.

One Case Among Many

Wan-Bissaka's story is not unique. In recent years, several players who didn't succeed at Manchester United have thrived at other clubs. Some of the most notable examples include Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Greenwood.

• Marcus Rashford: The English forward, a product of United's academy, had a meteoric start to his career, but his performance later declined. After a brief stint at West Ham, Rashford returned to United and has become one of the team's most important players.
• Antony: The Brazilian winger arrived at United as a star, but his performances have not lived up to expectations. Following a loan spell at Betis, Antony has rediscovered his best form and has become a key player for the Seville-based club.
• Greenwood: The English forward was considered one of the greatest prospects in world football, but his career was derailed by off-field issues. After some time away from the game, Greenwood has returned to football and is showcasing his quality at Getafe.

Why Do They Shine Away From Old Trafford?

The question is clear: Why do these players perform at such a high level away from Manchester United? The reasons are varied, but some of the most important include:

• More opportunities: At other clubs, these players enjoy more playing time and have the opportunity to prove their worth. At United, the competition is very high, and it is sometimes difficult to earn a place in the starting eleven.
• Greater confidence: When a player feels important and has the coach's confidence, their performance improves significantly. At United, some of these players did not feel valued, and this affected their game.
• A more suitable playing style: Manchester United's style of play does not always suit the characteristics of all players. At other clubs, these footballers find a system that allows them to maximize their qualities.

The cases of Wan-Bissaka and other players who thrive away from Manchester United demonstrate that football is a complex sport in which many factors play a role. Talent is not enough to succeed at a club as demanding as Manchester United. Sometimes, it is necessary to seek opportunities at other teams to show what one is capable of doing.