Aaron Wan-Bissaka is “tailor-made” for Manchester United because he boasts the “never-say-die mentality” that the Red Devils pride themselves on, claims the full-back’s former youth coach Colin Omogbehin.
Those at Old Trafford bought into the potential of the talented 22-year-old when snapping him up for £50 million ($62m) in the summer of 2019.
The England U21 international had just one full season of senior football at Crystal Palace behind him at that point, but it was abundantly clear that he was destined for bigger and better things.
Omogbehin claims that has been the case for some time now, with Wan-Bissaka’s ability first noted by London grassroots club Junior Elite and then Palace.
From those humble beginnings, a meteoric rise to prominence has been enjoyed by a man who finds himself forming part of a star-studded United squad while chasing down major silverware at club level and senior international recognition with the Three Lions.
Omogbehin is not surprised by Wan-Bissaka’s success, telling the Manchester Evening News of a player he worked with in youth football and Palace’s academy: "He's got a wonderful never give up, never-say-die mentality.
"He's very hungry, has worked for every opportunity he's been given - it's never been handed to him. Even at Crystal Palace there was a period when they weren't sure about him and he had to come through that period, around the age of 13, 14.
"He's got that ability to fight whenever needed. I've seen this type of character before and they usually have long careers in the game. Because they're focused and driven every day - not just some days - that's why they end up playing every week, because the manager can trust them."
With Wan-Bissaka having proved his worth on a Premier League stage, Omogbehin believes the perfect professional relationship has now been struck up between talented youngster and ambitious club.
He added: "I think he's tailor-made for Manchester United in terms of their expectations for a player: someone with good character, good resilience, good mentality, low maintenance - he ticks all those boxes.
"He just wants to learn and get better and I'm sure he'll continue to do that.
"When I knew him as a young lad he never used to say much to us. He's always been a shy, quiet type, who lets his football do the talking, and there's nothing wrong with that.
"Some people are in their comfort zone speaking with the media, but Aaron is just happy to get on with his football."