'Next Odegaard' already regrets Man Utd transfer

Tom Weber

• Updated: 3 Nov 2024 09:34 CST
• 3 min read

Former Manchester United prospect Isak Hansen-Aaroen is enduring a difficult time at Werder Bremen.

The Norwegian youngster was once billed as a reincarnation of Martin Odegaard, having burst onto the first-team scene at Tromso at just 15 years of age. A tricky attacking midfielder, the teenager quickly made a name for himself outside of his home country.

This prompted Man Utd to move for one of the biggest talents in Scandinavian football in 2020. However, despite frequently training with the senior side, especially under Erik ten Hag, Hansen-Aaroen never managed to get on the pitch for the Red Devils.

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Frustrated with his lack of action, the midfielder rejected the opportunity to extend his contract at Old Trafford, which meant that he could have left the club for nothing in the summer.

Faced with the threat of losing him on a Bosman, Man Utd agreed to sell him to Werder Bremen for a reported €250,000 in January, but he hasn't fared much better in Germany.

Hansen-Aaroen set for loan exit

To date, the 20-year-old has only made three appearances for the Bundesliga giants - all of them coming last season. Hansen-Aaroen has not played a single minute this term despite making the bench for all but one of Bremen's games.

At least at Man Utd, the Norwegian played for the club's youth teams, something that isn't happening in Germany either. Therefore, it would perhaps be fair to suggest that he regrets leaving the Red Devils.

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Unsurprisingly, Bremen chief Peter Niemeyer has now suggested that a January loan would be beneficial for Hansen-Aaroen. "A loan could be a good step," he said.

"The most important thing is that he gains match practice in order to progress in his development. We are in close contact with Isak's agent on this topic."

"Appearances for our U23s could be suitable at times. In the next few weeks, we will consider together with Isak whether a loan makes sense if nothing fundamentally changes in his situation."