Manchester United youngster Isak Hansen Aaroen has been training with the first team ahead of the new season as Erik ten Hag gives the teenager an opportunity to impress.
The club have a vast history of giving youth the chance to showcase their quality and it looks like Hansen Aaroen is the latest to be given the opportunity to test himself alongside United’s senior stars.
Hansen Aaroen is the youngest ever player to represent Tromso after making his first team debut before his 16th birthday, United then signed him in 2019.
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Since his arrival at Old Trafford, he has spent his time in the youth academy. According to the Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag has given the 17-year-old a chance to show what he is capable of and could make an appearance in the upcoming friendly games. United travel to Oslo, Norway to face Spanish La Liga side Atletico Madrid on Saturday. 24 hours later, they will face Rayo Vallecano in what will be Ten Hag’s first game in charge at Old Trafford.
The Norwegian has played in the EFL Trophy and the Premier League 2 for the club and was given his first professional contract in August of 2021. He was pictured in training along with another youngster in the shape of Shola Shoretire, who was given his first team debut for the Red Devils by former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
It is believed that Ten Hag is impressed by the array of talent in United’s youth ranks with a number of them in line to be given chances throughout the year. The Dutchman often looked to promote players from the youth academy during his time at Ajax and is likely to do so again in Manchester.
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According to reports, Zidane Iqbal is the one who has impressed Ten Hag the most. He was surprised that Iqbal was given so little opportunities under previous managers.
Hannibal Mejbri and Alejandro Garnacho are two others who have made their presence known during pre season. Mejbri earned praise last season after his fiery cameo during United’s 4-0 defeat by Liverpool at Anfield whilst Garnacho played a vital role in helping United clinch the FA Youth Cup.
Ten Hag could be forced to rely on the academy as the club continue to struggle in the transfer market. To date, United have secured the signatures of midfielder Christian Eriksen and defensive duo Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia. It has been widely reported that Ten Hag is looking for another midfield signing but that is proving difficult.
A deal has been agreed with Barcelona for Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong, but the player is reluctant to leave the Camp Nou for Old Trafford due to the lack of Champions League football.
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United have been unbeaten in pre season so far and will look to stay that way before getting their Premier League campaign underway next weekend against Brighton and Hove Albion.
Topics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Erik Ten Hag
Marcus Chan