Graham Potter and Ruben Amorim both blown away by ‘absolutely incredible’ player in West Ham win over Man United
In a thrilling Premier League clash at Old Trafford on May 11, 2025, West Ham United, under the stewardship of Graham Potter, delivered a resounding 2-0 victory over Manchester United, managed by Ruben Amorim. The standout performer in this upset was Aaron Wan-Bissaka, whose masterful display left both managers in awe and underscored his resurgence as a key figure for the Hammers. The former Manchester United right-back haunted his old club, contributing decisively to both goals and showcasing his elite defensive and attacking qualities.
Wan-Bissaka, who joined West Ham for £15 million in August 2024 after a £50 million stint at United, has flourished under Potter’s guidance. Deployed as a right wing-back in Potter’s 3-5-2 formation, the 27-year-old has found a role that amplifies his strengths. Against United, his performance was a testament to his revival. In the 26th minute, Wan-Bissaka combined slickly with Aaron Cresswell on the left, cutting inside to deliver a clever reverse pass to Mohammed Kudus. Kudus drove forward, outmaneuvering Amad Diallo, and crossed for Tomas Soucek to tap in, giving West Ham the lead. Wan-Bissaka’s vision and precision set the tone for the Hammers’ attacking intent.
The second goal, in the 57th minute, further highlighted Wan-Bissaka’s impact. After dispossessing Manuel Ugarte, he initiated a move that saw Kudus carry the ball forward. Wan-Bissaka then surged into the box, receiving a pass and squaring it perfectly for Jarrod Bowen to finish, doubling West Ham’s advantage. His ability to transition from defense to attack left United’s defense scrambling and Amorim visibly frustrated on the sidelines.
Potter, who has faced criticism for West Ham’s winless run of eight league games prior to this match, praised Wan-Bissaka’s “outstanding” contribution. “He’s been really impressive,” Potter said post-match. “The wing-back role brings out his best—defensively solid and dangerous going forward.” This victory, West Ham’s first league double over United since 2006-07, marked a turning point for Potter, whose tactical shift to a more dynamic setup has begun to bear fruit.
Amorim, meanwhile, was left to rue the sale of Wan-Bissaka, whose departure now seems a misstep given United’s struggles. With United suffering their 17th Premier League defeat of the season, Amorim admitted, “We lacked the clinical edge, and players like Wan-Bissaka punished us.” The Portuguese manager, preparing for a Europa League final, rotated his squad but couldn’t counter West Ham’s intensity, with Wan-Bissaka’s relentless energy exposing United’s vulnerabilities.
Wan-Bissaka’s stats underscored his dominance: two key passes, a successful dribble, and six ground duels won, all while keeping United’s attackers at bay. His classy message to United fans post-match—“I’ll always respect this club”—only added to his stature. For Potter and Amorim, Wan-Bissaka’s display was a reminder of his world-class potential, making him the undeniable architect of West Ham’s memorable triumph at Old Trafford.
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