Erik ten Hag names key strength of Man United teenager Isak Hansen-Aaoren

Erik ten Hag utilised a host of academy talent during Manchester United’s opening pre-season friendly against Leeds United on Wednesday.

It was a 2-0 win for The Reds with second half goals from Noam Emeran and Joe Hugill. Both goalscorers were part of a second half side that was filled with academy talent.

That included Isak Hansen-Aaoren, who operated in an attacking midfield role in his home country and enjoyed a successful cameo.

The 18-year-old played a perfect pass through to Emeran after the ball broke loose in the middle and Isak’s teammate made no mistake in front of goal.

Read More: Manchester United hero Noam Emeran names two “tough” players in training

He completed 20 of his 22 attempted passes and also completed three take-ons during the game.

Hansen-Aaroen joined the club in the summer of 2020 alongside the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Charlie McNeill and has impressed during his time in the youth teams.

First team manager Ten Hag was keen to speak on the importance of youth integration at Old Trafford before the game on Wednesday.

The Dutchman spoke on the Norwegian midfielder’s performance following the encounter and labelled his comfortability in possession as one of his key assets, although stressed that there are improvements to be made in his game.

“He did well,” the Red Devils boss told UnitedNo. “He had a good pass on the first goal. You can see that he is very comfortable with the ball. He also had some nice jabs and showed a good overview.

“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.”

The club will soon embark on their tour of the United States and Ten Hag will be choosing a certain amount of youngsters to join the first-team regulars on the trip.

Hansen-Aaoren will hope to get another opportunity to impress against Lyon next week, however, Ten Hag is keeping his cards close to his chest at the moment.

I can’t say anything about it now,” replied the United boss when asked if the teenager is in his thinking for the US squad. “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.”