liked the look of teenager Isak Hansen-Aaroen in the friendly win over on Wednesday, praising the youngster’s comfort on the ball and vision.
The 18-year-old came on at half-time during the 2-0 win in Oslo, replacing new signing at the break.
The Norwegian was cheered on by the crowd in his home country and didn’t take long to make an impression, setting up Noam Emeran for the opening goal on 67 minutes.
Ten Hag was impressed, hailing the young midfielder, but reminding him that there is a lot of work to do as he aims at first team minutes.
‘He did well,’ said the Dutchman. ‘He had a good pass on the first goal. You can see that he is very comfortable with the ball. He has good vision and good scanning.
‘He is of course a young player. He has some small things to work on. But we want to tell him that, show him and then work with him to get the right movements in.’
Hansen-Aaroen signed for the Red Devils from Tromso in August 2020 after becoming the youngest player to play for the Norwegian club in their history at just 15 years and 323 days.
Plenty of youngsters were involved in the win over Leeds in Oslo, including the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Hannibal Mejbri, Alvaro Fernandez, Amad Diallo and Omari Forson who all started the game.
How much more the academy talents will be involved in the pre-season when more first team players become available is not clear, but Ten Hag is pleased with his young talents, specifically the Norwegian.
‘I can’t say anything about it now,’ said the United boss of his plans for future friendlies, starting with Lyon in Edinburgh next week. ‘We are one week away – he is doing very well, as are other youngsters. I am very satisfied with the first week we have worked.’
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