A close friend of the Hansen-Aaroen family, Jonas Johansen is a fellow Tromso native who is currently the sporting director for Tromso IL’s women’s team after ending his playing career with Tromso IL, the same club Isak Hansen-Aaroen was signed from.

Having recently impressed for the club’s u21s and internationally for Norway’s u21s, fans of United have been clamouring to see Hansen-Aaroen involved under Erik ten Hag but the latest news will leave many disappointed.

Having previously alluded to a disagreement with the club regarding his future, the 19-year-old’s personal coach has now questioned it further by saying, “It might happen that something happens to him this winter, either a loan or a permanent transfer, probably one of the two.”

Johansen recognised the difficult task of breaking through into a side like United adding, “It’s Manchester United, perhaps the most challenging club to break into for a young boy.”

“He has immense trust in feedback from me, and I know he struggles to accept feedback from others. He understands I’m trying to influence him in the best way possible. It’s not easy for any guy to grow up, move to Manchester during Corona, and be more or less alone.”

The disagreement between Hansen-Aaroen’s camp and the club seems to be whether he will sign a new contract and head out on loan or will depart the club permanently.

In September, The Peoples Person had reported about this conflict. The young midfielder had said, “There was talk of something different, but I don’t want to say too much about it. There was some stuff, but we didn’t quite agree.”

He then ominously added “you will find out in a few months. There is a lot of interest. If we wanted it to be a loan, I know we could go.”

The suggestion that it is not a loan move that the youngster is looking for but rather a permanent move is now compounded with Johansen’s words. “I think one or two loans is what they’re thinking. Then it’s up to Isak and his family to consider if that’s the smartest thing.”

“I would probably advise him to start fresh and find a new club where he’s part of the core, to fight his way in there. We’ll see if they do that.”

Signed over three years ago after making his senior debut for Tromso at just 15, Hansen-Aaroen has delighted youth followers with his silky and creative football but signs are suggesting now that his large following of supporters may not be tantalised by his quick feet in the red of Manchester United for much longer.

Fans of the club can only sit and hope that the club’s management will be able to convince the supremely talented midfielder to quench his thirst for senior football with a loan move for now rather than a complete departure.

The post Isak Hansen-Aaroen advised to leave Manchester United appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Last summer it was James Garner while this year the likes of Zidane Iqbal, Charlie Savage, Matej Kovar, Marc Jurado, and Anthony Elanga have all departed.

But it is not like the manager has not trusted youth. Alejandro Garnacho has come up by leaps and bounds under the Dutchman while Kobbie Mainoo has been tipped to follow suit.

Isak Hansen earned ETH’s praise

Ten Hag had picked plenty of academy graduates in the pre-season squad with Hannibal Mejbri and Dan Gore already finding a place in the matchday squad in the game against Arsenal.

One academy player who had earned praise prior to the season commencing was versatile playmaker Isak Hansen-Aarøen.

“He did well, making a good pass for the first goal. He’s really comfortable on the ball; he has good vision and good scanning,” Ten Hag had said post the Leeds United game.

He has started the new season in fantastic fashion, scoring twice in three games and like plenty of his reserve teammates, he also had loan interest over the summer.

The 19-year-old sat down with VG and revealed that he wants to play first-team football soon and that a decision on his immediate future could even be taken as early as January.

While he had options to leave, the player seems to be waiting for the right opportunity and project so that he can showcase his best self.

“There was talk of something different, but I don’t want to say too much about it. There was some stuff, but we didn’t quite agree.”

Needs a loan spell immediately

When probed further he added, “You will find out in a few months. There were slightly different things that we didn’t quite agree on. Yes, possible (another approach could be made).

“There is a lot of interest. If we wanted it to be a loan, I know we could go. (Senior football) is very important and a step I will certainly take very soon.”

It is clear to see from his displays at age-group level that the Norway U21 international needs to take the next step soon as he has outgrown reserve football.

In terms of possibilities in the first team, it will be difficult for him to break through this season, considering his best position is as the attacking midfielder and Bruno Fernandes currently plays there.

Even the No 8 position seems quite stacked at the moment with Mainoo ahead of him in the pecking order and it would be best if he progresses somewhere else till the time is right.

The post Man United academy star Isak Hansen-Aarøen could leave on loan in January appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Norway will face off against San Marino and Latvia in Group A of the qualifiers.

They are joined by Italy, Ireland and Turkey, representing one of the more difficult groups.

Norway were unable to qualify for the previous EURO U-21 tournament, in 2021, and will be hoping for a better campaign this time around.

It constitutes a proud moment for United’s academy player, with Hansen-Aarøen having only represented his country at the U-19 level so far in his career.

A technically gifted midfield player, Hansen-Aarøen relocated to Old Trafford in 2020 from Norwegian side, Tromsø IL, at only 16.

He quickly established himself as one of the most talented players in the United academy, earning his first professional contract with the club a year after joining them.

Hansen-Aarøen’s attitude and performances were noted by Erik ten Hag, who included the Norwegian in first-team training sessions last season.

Ten Hag was so impressed by these contributions, in fact, Hansen-Aarøen was included in United’s pre-season tour this summer. This clashed with the Norwegian U-19 EURO qualifiers, but Ten Hag was steadfast in wanting Hansen-Aarøen present with the senior United squad.

The young midfielder was particularly effective in a friendly against Leeds, which saw United run out 2-0 winners.

Hansen-Aarøen laid on an assist for Noah Emeran which opened scoring for United. Ten Hag was keen to praise how “well” the Norwegian played, but also stressed the areas “he has to work on.”

It appears this hard work has now been similarly noted by his national team, as well as his club manager.

The post Isak Hansen-Aarøen called up to the Norway U-21 team appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

To view a detailed match report, click here.

(A score of 6 is around average)

Elyh Harrison – 8 – A penalty save is always a bonus from a keeper and as usual he was quick off his line to cut out attacks and played well with the ball at his feet. Couldn’t do much for both Leeds goals.

Habeeb Ogunneye – 7 – A good two-way performance as he supported in attack and gave very little away in defense.

Sonny Aljofree – 6.5 – A solid display before being sent off in injury time for a handball while being pressured by an offside player. Unfortunate.

Teden Mengi – 7 – A match of moments. Domineering for 88 minutes with extreme strength and pace, he cut out Leeds attacks with ease and played on the front foot. But too eager to jump and opened the space for Leeds’ first and shifted too far to the left for their second.

Marc Jurado – 7.5 – Tasked with playing on his weaker left side, his lack of a left foot showed. But he had the ability and composure to overcome it by cutting back and picking out measured passes into the box consistently.

Toby Collyer – 7 – Somewhat clumsily conceded the early penalty but had a good game otherwise. Dropped into the backline at times and did well dribbling out of pressure and opening spaces. Did not always have the quality of passing in his locker.

Hannibal Mejbri – 7 – A decent performance before tiring in the second half. Worked hard and drew some fouls but disappointingly didn’t shine as bright as you’d expect from a 20-year-old looking to push into the first team.

Omari Forson – 5 – A poor display and just never got going. Seemed to be flat-footed and wanted too much time on the ball, allowing the Leeds defenders to always smother him quickly.

Isak Hansen-Aarøen – 8.5 – The clear stand out, he excelled on the left side of a three man midfield and will have certainly impressed Erik ten Hag with his ability to fulfil the Mason Mount role. He dropped deep to control possession and start attacks, popped up on the left to overload the wing with Jurado, and attacked the box with silky dribbling. You never knew where he was going to be and neither did the Leeds players. On another day, he could have had a bag of assists, if only the team’s finishing had been better.

Mateo Mejia – 5.5 – Played a couple of good crosses but just not enough impact for the amount of possession United had.

Joe Hugill – 6 – A day of almosts. Had three big chances thwarted by slight touches from the Leeds’ defenders and set up a couple with good crosses into the box.

Substitutes

Dan Gore – 7 – Added energy and drive in the second half as he forced open a few chances in the Leeds box. Came close from long range with a cracking effort off the post.

Ethan Williams – 6.5 – Immediately added some directness on the wing and his two-footedness provided quick deliveries.

Maxi Oyedele – 6.5 – Came in at right back and made a fantastic tackle to stop a counter attack.

Charlie McNeill – 7 – Like his teammates, it looked like he’d forgot his shooting boots after a couple of quick misses. Ultimately managed to hit the back of the net with a deflected shot.

The post Player ratings: Manchester United u21s 1-2 Leeds United u21s appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Manchester United’s u21s were given the rare occasion on Friday night of playing at Old Trafford, as they hosted rivals Leeds United.

The special evening got off to a bad start for United, as Leeds took the lead in the 8th minute. Some quick passing led to Sean McGurk running through an open gap left in the United backline. McGurk took full advantage as he slotted past Elyh Harrison.

Just three minutes later, Leeds were awarded a penalty when Luca Thomas jinked between Sonny Aljofree and Toby Collyer, taking a light trip from the latter to go down.

It was, however, a poor effort and was easily denied by Elyh Harrison who got down quick to save.

After the penalty, United kicked into gear, and Isak Hansen-Aaroen slipped Mateo Mejia into the box who cut back to Omari Forson, only for him to be denied by a goal line clearance.

Shortly afterwards, Mejia played provider again with a cross to Joe Hugill at back the post. Unfortunately, a slight tip from the defender put the striker off the header.

A fantastic diagonal ball then came from Teden Mengi deep into left corner, eventually leading to a cross from Marc Jurado, but it was taken off Hugill’s foot and sent out for corner.

Approaching the half hour mark, the ball fell to Hansen-Aaroen outside the box and he worked his way in. The resulting shot was blocked, taking the steam off it as it rolled harmlessly to the keeper.

Nearing half time and it was another crucial Leeds block, this time on Habeeb Ogunneye who got forward to get on the end of Jurado’s measured cross.

It went into the break with United trailing to Leeds 0-1 despite all the pressure going one way following the opening goal.

The second half began in the same fashion with Hansen-Aaroen creating an early chance for Hannibal Mejbri, who couldn’t get his effort on target.

Hansen-Aaroen then showed how his change of pace as he knocked it past the fullback andsprinted to collect in the box, before cutting back to Dan Gore. The half-time substitute couldn’t get his boot around it enough to redirect it on goal.

After the slew of misses, Leeds hit on the counter down the right, and with United’s backline scrambling left Ogunneye on his own on the left side to mark two players, allowing for an easy switch of play and subsequent finish from Connor Douglas.

United thought they’d pulled one back in the 59th minute when Dan Gore’s bullet effort from 25 yards out crashed off the woodwork.

A minute after that it was Mengi’s turn to try from long range with a bending effort just wide of the right post.

Jurado then came down the left and centred for Hannibal, but the midfielder’s effort was straight at the keeper and palmed out.

The Norwegian, Hansen-Aaroen, was the star of the show and he danced down the left again before Cruyff turning in the box to open space and find Gore who lashed it over the bar.

In the 75th minute, a perfect first touch from Hansen-Aaroen sent him past two Leeds defenders to play it across the goal, but a slight touch on the ball wrong-footed Hugill, who waiting at the back post.

Charlie McNeill entered from the bench and after a couple of missed chances in quick succession, he pulled one back early in injury time. An indirect free kick in the Leeds box for the keeper holding onto the ball for too long was rolled by Jurado to McNeill who smashed it into the wall and deflected into the goal.

Sonny Aljofree was then sent off for a second yellow card when he handled the ball attempting to bring a long ball under control while under pressure from a Leeds attacker in a clear offside position.

United fashioned another few chances in the dying moments, but ultimately couldn’t get past the formidable blocks from the Leeds defenders, despite having 19 attempts on the night.

The full-time whistle came with the three points going to Leeds – a disappointing result after United controlled the match for 80 minutes. Ultimately, the inability to finish chances was the key factor in the end.

United: Harrison, Ogunneye (Oyedele 62), Aljofree, Mengi, Jurado, Collyer, Hannibal, Forson (Gore 46), Hansen-Aarøen (McNeill 77), Mejia (Williams 70), Hugill

Unused subs: Carney

The post Academy Match Report: Manchester United 1-2 Leeds United appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The Brazilian, who played the second-half against Olympique Lyon on Wednesday, is reportedly staying back because of personal reasons.

A few promising academy stars have also made the cut. While it was expected that Hannibal Mejbri and Kobbie Mainoo would make the cut, Dan Gore was also selected after a brilliant display against the Ligue 1 side.

Notable absentees

There were also call ups for Omari Forson on the wings and Radek Vitek in goal. Surprisingly, quite a few fancied academy starlets failed to make the cut.

The biggest shock was the exclusion of Matej Kovar from the goalkeeping contingent. The 23-year-old played the full 90 minutes against Lyon and the second-half against Leeds United.

Both the goalscorers from the Leeds game — Noam Emeran and Joe Hugill missed out as did Isak Hansen-Aarøen, Charlie Savage and Charlie McNeill to name a few.

Short-term signing Jonny Evans also was not part of the squad but he was supposed to be part of the academy team that will take on Wrexham in San Diego.

This might mean that a separate squad gets announced for that particular tie at a later date. All the youngsters who missed out could be part of that particular team.

While it is not a major cause for concern for most youngsters who will still get to play infront of a large crowd against a competitive Wrexham side, this snub could have major ramifications for some.

Permanent and temporary moves in the pipeline

Kovar, who spent last season out on loan, would have expected to be part of the main squad after his passing display from the back which indicated he could be ready for a reserve goalkeeper role.

Now this could mean either a loan back to Sparta Prague or a permanent exit with the Czech champions said to be impatiently waiting for United’s answer.

McNeill has also been linked with a loan exit to League One while Charlie Savage could also be on his way, either temporarily or on loan depending on the offers that come in.

Noam Emeran is reportedly receiving plenty of loan interest from European clubs and this could indicate his future could lie away from Old Trafford for now.

The post Prominent absentees from Manchester United’s tour squad could indicate a move is in the pipeline appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The senior stars are expected to start training on Saturday but the manager has already hinted that they will not be a part of the second friendly game against Olympique Lyon at Edinburgh on Wednesday.

After using mostly academy graduates during the comfortable 2-0 victory over Leeds United in Oslo last week, Ten Hag is expected to use the same ploy against the Ligue 1 side.

Academy stars shone vs Leeds

In fact against Leeds, it was the second-half XI composed entirely of academy stars that scored both the goals and one player who was instrumental during that 45 minutes was Norway’s very own Isak Hansen-Aarøen.

The 18-year-old’s perfect through ball was pounced on by Noam Emeran who made it 1-0. He also had nice touches throughout the game and it seems the United manager was impressed with what he saw.

“He did well, making a good pass for the first goal,” the United manager was quoted as saying by United NO. “He’s really comfortable on the ball; he has good vision and good scanning.

“Of course he’s a young player, he has some deficits he needs to work on, which we will show him and tell him (about) and we will work with him to improve him.”

Ten Hag on Isak Hansen-Aarøen:

“He did well, making a good pass for the first goal. He’s really comfortable on the ball; he has good vision and good scanning. Of course he’s a young player, he has some deficits he needs to work on, which we will show him and tell him and we…

— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) July 13, 2023

The Peoples Person had already reported in the past that Ten Hag wants to give the Norwegian a chance during pre-season and so far it seems that is the case.

But once all the senior stars are ready for action, Ten Hag will have to cull his squad and name a new one ahead of the US tour.

That will not have the same number of academy graduates and only those who the manager thinks can make an impact alongside the more experienced professionals.

Isak Hansen-Aarøen expected to feature more during pre-season

Ten Hag did not explicitly mention whether the Norway U-19 international will be part of the tour squad but did mention that he is happy with what he has seen during training so far.

“I can’t tell you now whether he will play the rest of the pre-season with us. We are one week away (from the US tour), and other young kids are doing very well, so I’m really pleased with our first week of work.”

A lot of academy stars are expected to go out on loan this season due to the competition for places in the squad.

It will be difficult for Hansen-Aarøen to break into the first team squad as he is most adept as the roaming attacking playmaker and United already have the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount in their ranks.

The post Manchester United academy star Isak Hansen-Aarøen earns manager Erik ten Hag’s praise appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Fans are particularly excited to witness how the likes of Amad Diallo, Hannibal Mejbri and Alvaro Fernandez fare under the Dutchman with all three expected to travel for United’s pre-season tour.

Another player that the United boss wants to run the rule over is Isak Hansen-Aarøen with Norwegian outlet United.no reporting that the 18-year-old will not be allowed to join his country’s U-19 team for the European Championships.

Hansen-Aarøen will not be allowed to join the U-19 Norway team

The U-19 Euros clashes with United’s pre-season schedule and Ten Hag wants to play him in pre-season and see what he is capable of and the Norwegian Football Federation have been informed about this decision.

“United.no learns that captain Isak Hansen-Aarøen is not in Norway’s G19 squad when it is announced on 14 June.

“Not because national team manager Luis Pimenta didn’t take him out, but because United and Erik ten Hag have put their foot down.

“The United manager’s no can undoubtedly be interpreted as a sign that the Norwegian is highly relevant for a place in the squad for this year’s season warm-up, which kicks off on Norwegian soil with a match against Leeds at Ullevaal on 12 July.”

The report also mentioned that the former Tromsø IL player has impressed quite a few people whenever he has been called up for first-team training.

Last season, Hansen-Aarøen made 25 appearances at reserve level and managed three goals and one assist.

It is clear to see that he has outgrown age-group football and needs regular game-time at first-team level, either out on loan or at United.

Pre-season plans in place for Hansen-Aarøen

He is versatile and can play all across the midfield and can even do a job on the wings but he is most proficient as the No 10 or a mobile No 8.

The academy graduate was one of the stars when the Red Devils clinched the FA Youth Cup alongside Alejandro Garnacho, who has already become an established first-team star.

He made a substitute appearance against Rayo Vallecano in the last pre-season game under Ten Hag who also took him to Spain during the World Cup break.

It will be interesting to see whether he can impress the Dutch boss enough to earn a place in the first-team squad alongside fellow academy star Kobbie Mainoo or whether he goes out on loan.

The post Erik ten Hag wants Isak Hansen-Aaroen to join Manchester United pre-season tour appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

To view a detailed match report, click here.

(A score of 6 is around average)

Radek Vitek – 6.5 – Didn’t have much to do throughout the contest but dealt with what came his way. Was a bit overconfident with the ball at his feet and played into danger too often when there were better options.

Marc Jurado – 6.5 – Solid at the back, rarely getting beat by the winger and offered an outlet in possession as he tucked into midfield.

Rhys Bennett – 7 – Another reliable performance where he didn’t give Fulham any space in the box to create.

Di’Shon Bernard – 7.5 – A rock at the back, he mopped up everything down the left side and was commanding in his charging out to win possession.

Bjorn Hardley – 7 – Combined well with Bernard at the back and his low driven cross led to the winning goal

Zidane Iqbal – 6 – Not the strongest performance as he struggled to exert control in the midfielder and offered little in the way of progression in possession. His performance could be summed up by Mark Dempsey’s loud shouts to not play the ball backwards and Iqbal proceeding to dawdle in possession before passing it back to Bernard.

Dan Gore – 6 – Solid when involved but ultimately drifted in and out of the match too much.

Mateo Mejia – 6.5 – Created the opening goal and was a constant threat on the right side but let himself down too often with poor touches and looked sluggish off the mark, as to be expected after his long injury layoffs.

Kobbie Mainoo – 6 – Had to go off injured before he could work his way into the match.

Shola Shoretire – 8 – His instinct to crash the back post netted him the match’s opening goal and he was main point of attack throughout. He also worked hard getting back too and made some important clearances.

Joe Hugill – 7.5 – A very well taken goal and offered a strong presence up top with his hold up play and constant running into the channels

Substitutes

Isak Hansen-Aaroen – 7 – Involved in some great link up play with Shoretire throughout the match and led to the eventual winner.

Omari Forson – 5.5 – Apart from one run down the right wing he had little impact.

Charlie McNeill – 6 – Some willing pressing and a tame shot during his short time on the pitch.

The post Player ratings: Fulham u21s 1-2 Manchester United u21s appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

To view a detailed match report, click here.

(A score of 6 is around average)

Nathan Bishop – 6 – Not the most convincing performance as he parried a few shots back into dangerous areas and didn’t seem to be able to get to full stretch to cover the corners at times but did well to save one of the penalties.

Marc Jurado – 5 – A bit of a night to forget; Fleetwood were given too much space and time down his side, which led to both of their goals and didn’t provide much in the way of attack, along with only completing 61% of his passes.

Rhys Bennett – 6.5 – He was up against some experience and physical opponents but excellent in the air, winning five aerial duels, and his passing was quite good out from the back.

Bjorn Hardley – 6 – A decent performance and covered the box well aerially and with clearances. His long passing was off, though.

Sam Murray – 6 – Held his own defensively for the most part but rarely ventured into the final third.

Charlie Savage – 5.5 – Not his greatest performance, and his passing was unusually askew before being taken off at half.

Kobbie Mainoo – 6.5 – He looked to be playing within himself while deployed in the deeper midfield pairing, keeping it simple and mopping up play.

Omari Forson – 6 – As usual, Forson was very clean on the ball, and his incredible run through the middle won the penalty, but he lacked the killer instinct to cause danger outside of that.

Isak Hansen-Aaroen – 6.5 – Showed some excellent skill with his control and dribbling, but his involvement was too fleeting.

Shola Shoretire – 8 – The clear biggest talent on the pitch, he came up with the most significant moments. A fantastic pass led to the penalty, and a clinical goal drew the game level at the end. He was the constant presence in United’s attack and caused Fleetwood a lot of trouble.

Charlie McNeill – 6 – A calmly taken penalty to give United the initial lead, but he was not involved enough, ending with only 12 touches and the few times he did look lively, he was offside.

Substitutes

Toby Collyer – 6 – Offered a more defensive presence sitting in front of the defence and kept it simple on the ball.
Tom Huddlestone – 7 – His class on the ball was evident, rarely misplacing a pass and ultimately played a perfectly placed penetrative pass for Shoretire’s goal.

Joe Hugill – 5.5 – Making only four touches in his 25 minutes on the pitch, he made little impact.

Maxi Oyedele – N/A – Was not on long enough to make an impact.

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