Manchester United They are always looking for the next big talent to bring to the club. In the last few years, they have recruited young talents from all over Europe, of academy age or a little older, who have broken into the first team.
Perhaps the two best examples of this in recent times are Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo. The former joined as a 16-year-old from Atletico Madrid For 420 thousand pounds sterling In 2020 with the latter At a cost of 19 million pounds sterling Presented by Atalanta.
Naturally, the duo are now key players in the first team, showing that the investment has paid off. Jarnacho has started the season quickly and has scored eight goals this season, with four assists to his name as well, In 25 matches.
Amad has finally been included in the starting lineup under new United coach Ruben Amorim. He has been exceptional this season, scoring five goals and eight assists. Also in 25 matches. According to football statistician Statman DaveThe Ivorian scored a goal or an assist every 80 minutes under the Portuguese coach.
So, signing young talent and bringing them into the first team has clearly worked for United previously. In fact, the Red Devils may soon be looking to repeat that feat, as they target another talented youngster.
Man United targets the star
The player in question here is Norwegian star Sverre Nyban. The highly-rated midfielder has been linked with a move away from Rosenborg for some time, but rumors began to mount ahead of the January transfer window.
According to a report by TBR Footballthe Red Devils are trying to 'close a deal' for the midfielder and beat out other Premier League teams for his signature. This is not a hasty decision from the 13-time Premier League champion, who has “been chasing Neban for years” and now wants to get a deal done quickly.
However, they will face stiff competition if they want to sign him. German trio Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund are all interested, as are several of United's Premier League rivals including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle. Aston Villa.
The player is believed to be leaning towards a move to Old Trafford, with the report suggesting that a move to the Red Devils has long been his favourite. The Nebban deal would not break the bank and could cost £10m, which is the minimum Rosenborg wants for him.
Why Nypan would be a good signing
At just 18 years old, Nippan has made an impressive impact in Rosenborg's first team in 2024. Eight goals and seven assists In Eliteserien this year, three assists in three Europa League qualifying matches.
There were many memorable moments in 2024 for the young man. One of those goals was a stunning hat-trick against Lillestrom in September, which was his first in a professional match and helped his team pick up three points.
However, perhaps Nepean's best performance this year came against United. The midfielder ran the show in a pre-season friendly against the Red Devils. According to SovascorHe had 51 touches, created two chances and completed six of seven dribbles along the way, all of which came in just 45 minutes.
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Nepean vs Man United statistics |
|
|---|---|
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Statistics |
number |
|
Touches |
51 |
|
Passing accuracy |
80% |
|
Passes completed |
20/25 |
|
He won ground duels |
8/14 |
|
The quirks are complete |
6/7 |
|
Created opportunities |
2 |
|
Statistics from SofaScore |
|
In fact, the 18-year-old could become United's royalty Martin Odegaard. The Arsenal midfielder has become one of the Premier League's most creative players, earning a place in the Premier League PFA Team of the Year Last season, there are definitely similarities between the two.
Both duo are creative midfielders who hail from Norway. Their talent was evident from a young age, with both players making their debut at just 15 years old. There are certainly some early similarities between the Arsenal captain and United's potential new star.
However, statistical comparisons can also be made between the two when looking at Nyban's season in 2024, and Odegaard's season now. According to SovascorThe 18-year-old has created seven big chances and is averaging 1.7 key passes per game, and here's why Description of football analyst Ben Mattinson As a “smart” player.
On the other hand, Arsenal's number eight created four big chances and averaged 2.6 key passes per game, According to Sovascor. Although the level of the league is different, the creativity is there to be seen.
with Bruno Fernandes With his age, United will need a replacement sooner rather than later. This does not mean that he will retire soon. The Red Devils captain is at the peak of his career and has four goals and five assists In 16 Premier League matches This season.
However, he is 30 years old, and sooner or later, United will need a replacement. What better way to do that than by signing Nippan and slowly bedding him, until he is in a position to step into United's captain's shoes and eventually take over his place in the starting XI.
This could be a great feat for the Red Devils, and would only bolster their squad with a talented young player while also providing a long-term alternative to Fernandes.
Of course, a degree of patience will be needed with the young player, as was the case with Amad – who took time to develop before joining the team, and may not arrive at Old Trafford to make an immediate impact, but the youngster could be a long-term signing to replace the captain. in the end.
