Manchester United has its own Erling Haaland in the academy

After a complete week training with the first team, Manchester United’s youngster, Isak Hansen-Aarøen finally made his anticipated debut this Sunday in a packed Old Trafford against Spanish side Rayo Vallecano in a preseason friendly. The 17-year-old didn’t play with the U21 team on Tuesday so he could be fit for the match.

Manchester United board signed the Norwegian three years ago from Norway club Tromsö IL, beating Everton and Liverpool in the process. Nevertheless, he couldn’t join United until he turned 16, so he arrived at Manchester on August 2020. The attacking midfielder talked today with ‘Dagbladet Sport’ about his first minutes with the squad.

Isak admitted this has been his dream for as long as he can remember, and he hasn’t quite figure it out yet. “I just sat the whole game and waited for Ten Hag to say my name. When he finally said the name, he asked if I needed to warm up. I said ‘no, I can go straight on’” he added.

Hansen-Aarøen is well aware of his capabilities and knowns this season he will be back with the U21 team but hopes Erik Ten Hag gives him a chance to train sometimes with the first team and play some of the cup games. However he says that he just lives in the present and that the most important thing for him is playing football.

The new Norwegian promising star

Norway has developed some of the most exciting prospects in the last years with Martin Ødegaard and Erling Haaland, who now play for Arsenal and Manchester City respectively. Isak Hansen-Aarøen is already showing his class in the preseason with Manchester United, but still has a lot to learn.