A few like Hannibal Mejbri and Alvaro Fernandez could be bought permanently at the end of their loans in the summer.

United’s only permanent exit saw highly-rated academy teen Isak Hansen-Aarøen join Werder Bremen in Germany.

The 19-year-old was reportedly unhappy when he was snubbed for the FA Cup game against Wigan Athletic despite training all week with the first team.

Hansen-Aarøen leaves

United were desperate to keep hold of him and had offered a brand new four four-and-a-half-year deal, but the midfield ace was not too impressed with the wages on offer.

The Norwegian was not too sure about the pathway into the first team having seen many of his compatriots earn a call-up to the first team and felt a move would serve him better.

He had made the pre-season squad in both of Ten Hag’s seasons but did not to make the matchday squad even once.

Plenty in his camp suggested the same and with his deal ending in the summer, the Red Devils thought it best to move him on in January.

The club got a much larger fee as compared to compensation in the summer while they also included a number of favourable clauses in his contract.

For his part, the former Tromso star will get the first taste of senior football and it was quite clear he had outgrown reserve football.

Step-up in quality

Upon joining the Bundesliga side, the Norway U21 international stated that he felt this was the right step to take at this stage of his career and wants to prove to people that he is ready for the step-up.

“It’s definitely a big step for me, but it’s a step in the right direction. I’m really happy to be here and I’m looking forward to showing what I can do.

“I want to prove that I can take it in my stride and show the fans and the club, that signing me was the right choice,” he told his new club.

The pressures of senior football will be a first for Hansen-Aarøen with Werder still in the hunt for European football next season.

It will be a much more difficult challenge but that was what prompted the player to ask his agent to take the deal on offer.

“It’ll be very different to where I’ve been playing up to now. But I feel ready to make the step up and play here.

Eager to move to Werder

“I rang my agent and he told me about the opportunity. The call lasted about two minutes. I had a good feeling straight away and didn’t have to think twice about it. It was an easy decision. Werder are a big club.”

United would have done well to keep a hold of the player, considering his immense potential. The club have made quite a habit of selling academy starlets in recent seasons.

While it does help with FFP issues, there has been a mixed reaction from fans as it is a departure from previous seasons.

Hansen-Aarøen will be desperate to prove Ten Hag and United wrong but the 20-time English league champions have inserted a sell-on clause and while there is no buyback option, the club do hold matching rights in case of any offer from another club.

The post Promise of first team football at Werder Bremen was too hard to turn down for Isak Hansen-Aarøen appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

There has been a certain ruthlessness and smartness already in some of the decisions made and another has followed.

United have confirmed Isak Hansen-Aaroen has left the club to join Werder Bremen.

Wishing Isak Hansen-Aaroen the best of luck as he takes the next steps with his career #MUFC || #MUAcademy

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 1, 2024

The club will receive a fee, a significant portion of any future fee while also having a right to match a bid for him in the future.

It has been reported that the move comes after United refused to bow down to the player’s wage demands.

#MUFC have sold Isak Hansen-Aarøen to Werder Bremen after refusing to bow to the Norway Under-21 intl’s wage demands. 19yo only had five months left on his deal. As well as a fee plus add ons, United have a sell on fee & clause that will allow them to match any future bid

— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) February 1, 2024

It is notable that the Norwegian is nowhere near the first-team picture and with talents like Amir Ibragimov and Shea Lacey waiting in the wings, his future pathway also looked cluttered.

Therefore, with only five months left on his contract, United cut the cord with ruthlessness.

One can be forgiven for thinking that under the previous decision-makers, he could have been given a new contract to “protect his value”.

However, it is a sign of change that not only are United becoming decisive in their sale, but also managing to get a good deal.

For a player who would have been free in five months, receiving a fee plus a sell-on and right-to-match is a remarkable business.

The scouts will keep one eye on his talent in the Bundesliga, historically a good breeding ground for youngsters on the verge of a senior breakthrough.

His departure is United’s 11th in the window, with most of them being decisions taken on youngsters which were long overdue.

The post Official: Isak Hansen-Aaroen leaves Manchester United for Werder Bremen appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Reports had emerged the club were “considering” selling the Norwegian midfielder this month as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

Officials have been engaged in negotiations with Hansen-Aarøen’s representatives over the prospect of a new deal and there was believed to be a desire on the part of both parties for him to remain in Manchester.

Having relocated to Old Trafford in 2020, the Norwegian has quickly established himself as one of the most talented players currently in the academy. He is thought to he highly-regarded by both youth team staff and senior coaches.

Similarly, it’s believed Hansen-Aarøen would “love” to continue his career at United, but concerns over a clear pathway to the first-team have made him reconsider his next option.

Despite being a regular attendee in training with the senior squad, as well as being included on the club’s pre-season tour of America last summer, the 19-year-old is still awaiting his first-team debut under Erik ten Hag.

A number of youth players have been given their first opportunities under the Dutch manager since his arrival at Old Trafford. A selection of these academy graduates also appear to be regularly selected in his matchday squads ahead of Hansen-Aarøen.

As such, the midfielder is thought to have been contemplating leaving the club in the search of more opportunities at a senior level.

Reports also suggest if Hansen-Aarøen was to leave for a new team – of which there are a host of interested suitors across Europe – he would be likely to earn far more than the current offer at Old Trafford.

With the 19-year-old’s contract set to expire in the summer, this transfer window represented the last opportunity for United to cash in on their midfield prospect. And this update indicates they have chosen to do exactly that.

A report by TV 2 Sport, a Norwegian sports channel, reveals United have accepted an offer for Hansen-Aarøen from Werder Bremen. He will undergo a medical today while the documentation officially confirming the move is being hastily arranged, to beat the 11pm deadline tonight.

While there is no confirmation on price, United are likely to include a number of favourable clauses – including a buy-back option and a sell-on percentage – as part of the deal.

Bundesliga, where Werder Bremen are currently 9th, is an excellent platform for development for younger players. The league’s fast-paced style, which centres around high lines and high-pressing, gives ample opportunities to attacking players to demonstrate their abilities.

Werder Bremen also employ a 3-5-2 system with three central midfielders, two of whom are encouraged to push forward. This is an ideal system for Hansen-Aarøen to slot into, underscoring how intelligent a next step it is for the Norwegian to take in his career.

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Hansen-Aarøen’s current deal is set to expire in the summer, meaning the January window is the last opportunity for the club to command a transfer fee for his departure.

If the 19-year-old was to depart at the end of season on a free, United would still be entitled to some form of compensation owing to FIFA regulations designed to encourage player development.

Hansen-Aarøen relocated to Old Trafford from Tromsø – a first-division Norwegian side – in August 2020, as a 15-year-old youth player. He signed his first professional contract with the club a year later.

As such, if the midfielder was to join another team at the end of his contract, United would be entitled to compensation from his new employers for their role in his development. This fee is very unlikely to be as much as they would receive for a transfer this month, however.

It would also not include the selection of favourable clauses Old Trafford officials have consistently applied when selling young players in recent windows, such as a potential buy-back option or a percentage of any future sale.

The Manchester Evening News reports contract negotiations between the club and Hansen-Aarøen’s representatives are “ongoing”. However, it appears increasingly unlikely an agreement will be struck, despite willingness from both sides.

The midfielder is highly regarded at Old Trafford, with sources indicating the coaching staff would “love to keep the Norwegian teenager”.

Similarly, Hansen-Aarøen is believed to be open to staying as he would “love to make things work at United”, but is dismayed by the lack of opportunities afforded to him in the senior squad. This confirms a report relayed by The Peoples Person earlier this month of the player’s “frustrations“.

The Norwegian is still awaiting his first-team debut. He has also regularly seen other academy graduates included in Erik ten Hag’s match-day squads ahead of him, despite partaking in first team training and being included in the club’s pre-season tour of America last summer.

From United’s perspective, they want Hansen-Aarøen to sign a new four-and-a-half-year deal, tying him ot the club until June 2028. The Manchester Evening News reveals this uncertainty over a “pathway to the first team”, as well as the prospect of much better money elsewhere, are the two major obstacles to this deal.

“United want the Norwegian to sign a new four-and-a-half-year deal but the terms offered so far do not come close to packages he could expect to receive elsewhere and he is unconvinced by his own pathway to the first team. United initially hoped Hansen-Aarøen would sign a new contract with the club this month and be sent on loan.”

Instead, it appears increasingly likely the club will choose to cash in on the highly-rated youngster, rather than risk losing him for a much smaller fee, and less favourable terms, in the summer.

A host of clubs across Europe are believed to have expressed an interest in signing Hansen-Aarøen. Ajax, Atletico Madrid and Napoli are three potential suitors, while a number of German and Dutch clubs have made similar approaches.

However, German reporter, Benedikt Duda (Transfermarkt), reveals it is Werder Bremen who are trying to secure a deal for the 19-year-old before tomorrow’s deadline closes.

#Werder versucht neben Skelly #Alvero noch einen weiteren Perspektivspieler fürs Mittelfeld zu holen. Die Bremer bemühen sich nach @Transfermarkt-Infos um United-Talent Isak #HansenAarøen, dessen Vertrag ausläuft. #SVW #ManUnited #MUFC #Transfermarkt

— Benedikt Duda (@benediktduda) January 30, 2024

Translation: “#Werder is trying to get another promising player for the midfield alongside Skelly #Alvero . According to @Transfermarkt information, Bremen are trying to find United talent Isak #HansenAarøen , whose contract is expiring.”

When asked in the comments if they were hoping to close the deal in this window, the reporter replied “that is the hope”.

The post Manchester United considering selling Isak Hansen-Aarøen before window closes appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Read the detailed match report of all the action here.

(A score of 6 is around average)

Elyh Harrison – 6.5 – Made some really good saves but his mistake when claiming a cross gave Chelsea a goal and his over casual approach to playing out from the back caused United some problems.

James Nolan – 5.5 – Had a bit of a hard time with Chelsea’s pace down their left wing and was caught napping on a few occasions before coming off with an injury.

Rhys Bennett – 6 – Similarly struggled with the pace and running down Chelsea’s left channel in the first half. Moved to right back in the second half and handled himself well, even making some charging runs to support the attack but allowed Tyrique George to cut in too easily for the match winner.

Sonny Aljofree – 7 – A solid performance with a number of tackles and blocks. Did well pushing forward into midfield to win challenges and was composed on the ball.

Sam Murray – 7.5 – Was put under a lot of pressure particularly in the second half and performed valiantly especially with some superb back post defending to cut out dangerous crosses.

Tom Huddlestone – 6.5 – Just kept it simple for the most part and let the young players do their thing but adds good composure on the ball to take the ball in tight spots and play through pressure.

Maxi Oyedele – 7 – Had a fine first half at both ends of the pitch, tracking back with some vital tackles and his energy and drive opened up opportunities in attack. Came off at half-time for an unknown reason.

Shola Shoretire – 8.5 – Two brilliantly taken goals including one of the best volleys you’ll see this season. Continues to show he is a step above this level and his decisiveness and quick thinking in attack stood above the rest of the team with clinical end product which the others lacked.

Isak Hansen-Aaroen – 7 – His ability to dribble out of tight spots was sublime, drawing in two and three defenders before spinning away with ease but after excellently opening space he let himself down with his final pass. Did play a nice cross field pass in the build up to Shoretire’s second.

Sam Mather – 5.5 – Involved in some early chances but made the wrong decision or was too slow to execute the finish before drifting out of the match.

Ethan Wheatley – 5 – Struggled to keep hold of the ball and withstand the physical play of Chelsea’s centre backs.

Substitutes

Toby Collyer – 6.5 – Did a solid job breaking up play in midfield and moved the ball around quickly.

Ruben Curley – 7 – Added some drive and athleticism in midfield with his charging runs and ability to shrug off challenges and also worked hard defensively.

Charlie McNeill – N/A – Didn’t really get involved at all during his time on the pitch.

The post Player Ratings: Chelsea u21s 3-2 Manchester United u21s appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Chelsea threatened early through Leo Castledine who broke down the left wing and attempted to chip the ball over Elyh Harrison but the keeper managed to dangle out a leg to send it wide for a corner.

The resulting corner saw Chelsea put the ball in the back of the net following a scramble but it was quickly chalked off for offside.

Still in the opening five minutes, Sam Mather poked the ball through for Ethan Wheatley and the striker stretched to tip it in but the Chelsea keeper reached it first.

In the 28th minute, clear fouls on Shola Shoretire and Isak Hansen-Aaroen were waved off which allowed Chelsea to counter attack with Castledine forcing another good save from Harrison.

But just a minute later, Harrison came to collect a cross and dropped the ball allowing Chelsea’s Donnell McNeilly to strike the ball off the bar and down bouncing just over the line.

United had a chance to equalise before the break when Maxi Oyedele broke past a challenge on the right side to charge into the box and cut back for Sam Murray to strike but a great save from Max Merrick kept it 0-1.

Chelsea then doubled their lead moments before the half time whistle with McNeilly grabbing his second after controlling a low cross into the box and finishing past Harrison.

A late injury to James Nolan saw Toby Collyer introduced and Ruben Curley also entered the fray at the break for Maxi Oyedele.

Curley made an instant impact spreading the play nicely to Mather who cut in onto his right but couldn’t get enough curl on his effort to hit the target.

Curley then drove into the box, passing to Wheatley before getting it back and finding Shoretire who dispatched with his left foot.

Shola Shoretire’s first goal last night vs Chelsea pic.twitter.com/YHJh6a5ZJe

— Manchester United Academy (@RedYouthUnited) January 13, 2024

Five minutes later, an unbelievable goal from Shoretire drew it level as he popped the ball up before volleying past the keeper.

Shola Shoretire’s second, an incredible volley that you fail to see better for some time. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/aeSj0ImDfK

— Manchester United Academy (@RedYouthUnited) January 13, 2024

The match then looked like it would play out as a draw but a crushing blow came in injury time when Tyrique George cut inside past Rhys Bennett and smashed into the top right corner to win the match for Chelsea.

The loss sees United stay in the middle of the table in 12th place out of 26 teams.

United: Harrison, Nolan (Collyer 45), Bennett, Aljofree, Murray, Huddlestone, Oyedele (Curley 46), Shoretire, Hansen-Aaroen (McNeill 79), Mather, Wheatley

Unused subs: Mee, McAllister

The post Academy Match report: Chelsea u21s 3-2 Manchester United u21s appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Isak Hansen-Aarøen has been advised by his personal trainer, Jonas Johansen, to leave Manchester United.

According to VG, Johansen thought it unfair that the 19 year old was omitted from the matchday squad to face Wigan in the FA Cup on Monday evening.

He commented, “it was a bit disappointing. As they have several players out, I thought he would be an offensive option. It was very surprising”.

The trainer has a very close relationship with the Norwegian as he used to work with him in Tromsø, and works with him as a personal trainer when he is back in Norway.

It particularly bothered Johansen that the bench was full of youngsters, yet there was no place for his client.

“Isak has many international skills that not many others have. With those qualities and achievements in the U21 team, he should be in a first-team squad”.

“My recommendation to him is that he finds a new club, where he will have the opportunity to fight for playing time in the first team. He is at the age where he should play regularly for a first team, says Jonas Johansen.

It was reported here on Tuesday that the youngster was looking at opportunities away from the club as he has become frustrated with the lack of playing time and first team chances.

This might be especially hard to take as he has seen fellow academy players Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, Willy Kambwala and Omari Forson receive first team minutes over the past season and a half.

The youngster has been offered a fresh four and a half year deal by the Red Devils but it seems unlikely the young Norwegian will sign.

Journalist, Fredrik Filtvedt added to the chorus of concern in Norway by stating, “if the club says that they want to keep you, but don’t have a place for you in simple matches… Then I think that for his own part he should find another place to play football”.

Therefore, unless there is a sudden change in the amount of gametime the 19 year old receives, we can except an exit from the club in the near future.

The post Isak Hansen-Aarøen’s personal trainer recommends him to leave Manchester United in search of gametime appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The Red Devils eventually progressed thanks to a 2-0 win with academy star Omari Forson making his first-team debut while academy graduates like Kobbie Mainoo, Hannibal Mejbri, and Willy Kambwala all got minutes under their belt.

Young striker Joe Hugill was named on the bench but did not appear while it was surprising to see highly-rated academy gem Isak Hansen-Aaroen not named as part of the matchday squad.

The Norwegian has been knocking on the first-team door for some time now and has been frequently called up to train by the Dutch manager and even played during United’s pre-season tour over the summer.

Unhappy Isak Hansen-Aaroen 

It always seemed like the time was coming for the 19-year-old to make his professional debut and it was strange to see him get snubbed for the game at the DW Stadium.

The attacking midfielder was said to be deeply disappointed after missing out and is said to now want to move on. His current deal ends in 2024.

The Peoples Person reported that his physical trainer has advised the United Academy star to leave for pastures new, to a club where his talents will be more appreciated than in Manchester.

United are said to be in talks over a new contract but judging by the reactions from the youngster and his camp, this does not look like it is going to end well.

Hansen-Aaroen’s technical ability means he is not short of suitors with Fichajes claiming that Napoli and Ajax have been joined by Spanish giants Atletico Madrid in the race for the versatile teenage star.

Chase on for signature

“The lack of opportunities in the Red Devils’ first team pushes young Isak Hansen-Aaroen to the exit door of Old Trafford. Courted by Naples and Ajax, the Norwegian appears in Atletico Madrid’s orbit.

“Continuing with the Norwegian, it should be noted that he also delights Ajax in Amsterdam and Naples. Two teams that do not lose sight of their dilemma within the Red Devils, meaning a double tough nut to crack in the aspirations of Atletico. We’ll see if Cholo’s team win the day for Hansen-Aaroen.”

The former Tromso player, who can play all across the midfield but mainly excels as the No 10, should have received some minutes but it seems like it will not be at United barring a miraculous change in stance from Ten Hag.

United have already sold quite a few promising starlets over the course of the summer who have proved the club’s judgment wrong and the young Norwegian could soon be added to the list.

Ten Hag’s talent identification has not always been spot on and this might be another case of Ten Hag overlooking youth in favour of readymade stars. INEOS need to take a good hard look at this instance to ensure such errors are minimised.

The post Isak Hansen-Aaroen earning interest from Atletico Madrid appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

In late December, a report covered by The Peoples Person noted that Hansen-Aarøen is on the radar of multiple clubs in Europe, who are alive to his uncertain contractual situation at United.

He is set to become a free agent in the summer of 2024 unless he pens a new deal.

However, it’s believed the Norwegian is eager to be promised chances with the senior squad or else he’ll move elsewhere in search of greener pastures.

The Manchester Evening News reveals that while it’s looking grim with respect to Hansen-Aarøen committing his immediate future to the Red Devils, talks over fresh terms remain ongoing.

“Hansen-Aarøen would love to make things work at United but he is understood to feel frustrated by the lack of first-team opportunities and has doubts about whether to sign another new contract.”

“The Manchester Evening News understands United want the Norwegian teenager to sign a new four-and-a half year deal but the terms offered so far do not come close to packages he could expect to receive elsewhere.”

“Hansen-Aarøen is not short of interest, with Ajax, Atletico Madrid, and Napoli among the teams to express an interest in his signature should he decide to leave United.”

Richard Fay states that United are still of the opinion that the club is the right place for the 19-year-old to develop and nurture his talent.

Should a breakthrough not be found and Hansen-Aarøen be sold to a rival outfit, United would insist on a hefty sell-on fee and a low buyback clause.

MEN adds that the youngster trained with the first team several times last week and he was hopeful of getting a taste of action in the FA Cup against Wigan Athletic.

He was snubbed and this has of course added to his disappointment.

The post Isak Hansen-Aarøen set to quit Manchester United amid frustrations over lack of first team chances appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The tie – which takes place on Monday at 8.15pm at the DW Stadium – is United’s only realistic route to a trophy this season, having already been eliminated from the Champions League and Carabao Cup.

They sit eighth in the league, with a negative goal difference, and not even the most ardent of fans would suggest a title challenge is possible. A shot at fourth feels a stretch at present. As such, the magic of the FA Cup constitutes the last chance at success for United.

The competition has always represented a good opportunity to blood younger players into the senior squad, however.

Though Wigan were once in the Premier League, and even won the FA Cup itself (a memorable 2-0 win over Manchester City), they have fallen on tougher times since. They currently languish in 17th place in League One, having only one won from their last six.

Despite United’s own wobbly form, Ten Hag’s side should have more than enough to comfortably overcome their North Western rivals. This would create the perfect opportunity for some of the academy players who have trained this week to put theory into practice in men’s football.

Maxi Oyedele, Omari Forson, Isak Hansen-Aaroen, Joe Hugill, Shola Shoretire and Sam Murray were all spotted being put through their paces with first-team this week. They were joined by recent debutant, Dan Gore.

Though Shoretire has made five senior appearances, he is yet to feature for United under Ten Hag.

Similarly, Forson has featured in two Champions League match-day squads but is awaiting his first competitive minutes on the pitch. None of Hansen-Aaroen, Hugill or Murray have made their first-team debuts either.

All six players will be hoping to follow the recent example of Gore, who made his first senior appearance in the Carabao Cup earlier in the season, before marking his Premier League debut on Boxing Day against Aston Villa.

Since joining the club, Ten Hag has consistently shown his commitment to honour the tradition at Old Trafford of putting faith in young players.

Gore, Facundo Pellistri, Kobbie Mainoo and Willy Kambwala are all academy graduates who have made their senior debuts under the Dutchman. The aforementioned group invited to training this week will each be hoping that list grows by one come Monday evening.

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