Who is Sverre Halseth Nypan? Man United wonderkid target: Position, age, player comparison

Manchester United have been heavily linked to Norwegian wonderkid Sverre Halseth Nypan since they faced him in their 2024 pre-season.

Erik ten Hag’s squad kicked off their pre-season in the summer with a trip to the Lerkendal Stadion, where they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Norwegian side Rosenborg.

The result was of little importance, as the match primarily served to help United’s players regain their fitness ahead of the new campaign.

However, it was 17-year-old midfielder Sverre Halseth Nypan from the Norwegian team who stood out, catching the attention of many onlookers with an impressive first-half display against seasoned United players like Mason Mount and Casemiro in midfield.

Reports have since claimed that the Reds are interested in signing Nypan once he turns 18 to bolster their impressive youth set-up following recent additions of Chido Obi-Martin and Sekou Kone.

Nypan is another exciting talent but there is much to learn about the teenage talent. Who is Nypan? You can find out below.

Who is Sverre Halseth Nypan?

Sverre Halseth Nypan has been making noise for some time now despite playing in the Eliteserien and being just 17 years of age.

In 2021, at just 14, he became the youngest ever player to appear in the UEFA Youth League. Former United youth talent Shola Shoretire had previously broken the record in 2018. The feat has since been broken once again in 2024.

Nypan made his Rosenborg debut in November 2022 and became the youngest player ever to represent the club at 15 years and 322 days.

Since then, he has scored 10 goals and registered 11 assists for the club’s first-team as he quickly became an important player.

What position does Sverre Halseth Nypan play?

Nypan has quickly become recognised as a technical midfield player and he already has experience playing in various roles within the engine room in the professional game.

Most of the time, he has been utilised as a number eight in a three-man midfield, although some would suggest his skillset would suit playing slightly higher as a number 10.

What country is Sverre Halseth Nypan from?

Nypan is from Norway and has represented his country at U17, U19 and U21 level. The 17-year-old has made four appearances for Norway’s under-21s side.

His latest appearance came in a 5-1 win against Turkey, with United scouts reportedly in attendance for his impressive display.

Who has Sverre Halseth Nypan been compared to?

It is no surprise that an exciting midfield talent from Norway, who provides elegance on the ball, has attracted comparisons to Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard.

The former Real Madrid talent has been one of the greatest talents to come out of Norway in recent years.

“Sverre Nypan is extremely exciting, and I get a bit of the same feeling as when I saw Martin Odegaard break through as a boy,” Norwegian football expert Jesper Mathisen told TV2 in August 2023.

That came after watching Nypan impress for Rosenborg in a Conference League qualifier against Hearts. The teenager registered two assists in a 2-1 win for his team.

What has Sverre Halseth Nypan said about Manchester United interest?

With the Red Devils clearly interested in the youngster, there are also other clubs sniffing around, but it appears that he would favour a move to his boyhood club.

“It would obviously be a dream come true to play for Manchester United. I’m aware United has shown some interest,” Nypan admitted in the summer.

However, the teenager did explain that he wants to focus on his current development in Norway with Rosenborg.

He added: “But I’m quite adamant that I don’t want to open that door yet. I want to focus on Rosenborg, and not think too far ahead.”

Although, should United come in for the midfielder in the coming months, it would likely be difficult for him to turn down any approach.

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