Manchester United decided to buy Aaron Wan-Bissaka after passing Man City audition

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Manchester United were convinced to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka after seeing him shackle Leroy Sane.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed he was so impressed with the full back’s performance against Manchester City last season that he knew he could handle a move to Old Trafford.

United’s manager was determined to strengthen the right side of his defence last summer, with the club’s transfer committee coming up with 804 different options before narrowing down their shortlist.

They eventually paid Crystal Palace £50million for Wan-Bissaka – underlining Solskjaer’s faith in the 22-year-old.

The Norwegian said: “You saw an exceptional defender when I watched him last season. He had a couple of games against Sane with Man City, and you think, ‘Wow he is so hard to go past.’

“And then when you sign him you get to know him and he is a shy boy. He wants to learn.”

Jamie Carragher has described Wan-Bissaka as the best “one-on-one defender in the world” after his performances for United this season – but Solskjaer has been determined to develop the attacking side of his game.

That is already beginning to show results with the former winger providing two assists in his last six appearances.

Solskjaer added: “He listens - he is providing more and more assists, creates more chances and puts in more crosses. It’s in him because he has been a winger. The best full backs at the moment they have been wingers before.

“You rely on full backs to go forward in the way we want to play. We are very pleased with his progress.”

Wan-Bissaka was seen as a key part of Solskjaer’s squad overhaul, along with Harry Maguire last summer.

He is now focusing on adding to his attack after the signing of midfielder Bruno Fernandes in January, with Jadon Sancho his top target.

And despite admitting it “hurts” to see Liverpool crowned Premier League champions, he believes United are on course to challenge for major trophies again.

“We are in a position where we have to improve,” he said. “We have to get into the Champions League, get higher up the league and start challenging for trophies.

“The consistency and efficiency they have shown. That is a challenge for us as well. We know at our best we are very good and we have to do that every Saturday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or whatever day it is. We have to do it again and again. That is the challenge for our players going forward.

“I expect the players to turn up every time they get a chance to perform for Man United to the best of their abilities under the circumstances. I don’t expect bumps.

“You don’t go looking for them. You play against difficult teams that want to win, but for us every game is a chance to prove that you are good enough for Man United and that we are on the right track.

“When you play for Man United, every game is a game you can win. It’s a challenge now for us to keep the consistency.

“We have shown what we can do at our best and I think there is longer and longer periods before the lows so at the moment I am not looking for a bump.”

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