Former Manchester United youngster Isak Hansen-Aaroen is set for another fresh start.
Back in 2020, Manchester United swooped to sign Norwegian wonderkid Isak Hansen-Aaroen from Tromso, who had already made his debut at 15.
Hansen-Aaroen wowed academy followers with his performances for Manchester United’s under-18s side, before his debut season was cut short due to Covid.
The teenager’s second season ended on a high note, with Hansen-Aaroen playing a key role in Manchester United’s 2022 FA Youth Cup success.
The Norwegian was part of a three-man midfield with Dan Gore and Kobbie Mainoo, instrumental in winning the competition.
While Mainoo has gone on to establish himself in the first team, he is the exception. Isak Hansen-Aaroen is one of the bright prospects who did not make it at Manchester United.
What happened to the Man Utd 2022 FA Youth Cup winning team? 🏆
Who did you have the highest hopes for?
Isak Hansen-Aaroen signs for NEC Nijmegen
Isak Hansen-Aaroen left Manchester United in 2024 for Werder Bremen, and he has now left the Bundesliga club on a permanent basis.
On transfer deadline day in February 2026, Hansen-Aaroen signed with Dutch club NEC Nijmegen.
Hansen-Aaroen has signed an 18-month deal, with a further two-year option.
Quoted via the NEC Nijmegen website Carlos Aalbers, director of player affairs explained: “We’ve had Isak on our radar for a while and are happy to have the opportunity to bring him to Nijmegen.
“He’s versatile in midfield, possesses strong technical skills, and fits well with our playing style.”
The move is a good opportunity for Hansen-Aaroen to develop and reboot his career. NEC Nijmegen are placed third in the Eredivisie, above Ajax.
Former Manchester United prospect Shola Shoretire is currently impressing on loan in the Eredivisie with PEC Zwolle, recently winning an award for his form.
Will Manchester United’s academy midfield group produce another world class talent?
Scholes, Mainoo, ???? Who is the next one up?
Hansen-Aaroen’s two years since United exit
Isak Hansen-Aaroen was growing frustrated with his lack of first team chances at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag.
He quit United in the January transfer window during the 2023/24 season, without making his debut, sold to Werder Bremen.
It took until April 2024 for Hansen-Aaroen to make his Bundesliga debut. He only ended up making four substitute appearances for the German club, one of which came this season.
Last season Hansen-Aaroen was sent out on loan to Danish side Aalborg, where he got a bigger taste of first team football with 14 appearances.
But upon his return to Germany nothing had changed, and it was time to move on. He departed with his four appearances accruing only 26 minutes of game time in Germany.
Now 21, Hansen-Aaroen has made his debut for NEC Nijmegen already, coming on as a late substitute for the team at the weekend.
There is time for him to still come good, and we hope this latest move will help him get his career back on track.
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