This is such a talented group. I really think Hansen-Aarøen has a very high chance of making it here. Everything is effortless to him.
U18s v. Wolves
- Thread starter Drainy
- Start date
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik and Imran hold a long overdue conversation about United's awful league form with 1 win in 7. They discuss a disappointing draw at Bournemouth, a not so disappointing draw against Liverpool and a crushing defeat at Chelsea - Is time nearly over for Erik Ten Hag?
Then in a special second half of the pod, Nik welcomes Natalie ( https://twitter.com/natalie_17) to discuss the fortunes of Manchester United Women as they booked a place in the FA Cup Final after a historic first ever win vs. Chelsea.
We need to check his passport!
Hansen-Aarøen looks like a serious talent. I love what the coaches are doing with him by playing him deeper, which will improve his defensive game. He has a very high ceiling; his weight of pass is up there with the best I've seen at this age. A lot can go wrong for a player coming through the system, but I can see him getting to train with the 1st team at the 2nd half of next season.
I don't know about assists as I don't keep that sort of data but here are the records to date:
2018/19 - Mason Greenwood scored 22 goals in 18 games across all competitions
U/18 League - 15
Premier League Cup - 4
FA Youth Cup - 3
2020/21 - Charlie McNeill has scored 19 goals in 19 games to date
U/18 League - 18
FA Youth Cup - 1
So in summary, McNeill has the record for the most goals at U/18 Academy League level but Greenwood still has the record in one season when you add in Cup matches. Of course if McNeill manages to score another 4 goals...
Hanson-Aaron looks the real deal but he will probably need to grow a bit and add some muscle to improve his chances of making the senior squad, buyt will that diminish his ability to glide round tackles?
I think it will be difficult. Not a mark on him or his ability, but I see it as an Angel Gomes situation. Obviously a talented footballer, but what position can they play apart from a number 10? They won't be quick enough to play out on the wings, they lack physicality to play as a box to box number 8, and they aren't big enough or fast enough to play as a striker.
But, top level teams can only carry one or two pure number 10s! If Bruno sticks around for a few more years I see it as very difficult for us to bring in someone in this Angel Gomes mold. Bruno plays every game!
Their best bet imo is to become like modric, Scholes or xavi. Controlling CM. Would still need work rate and getting stuck in with the defensive work ethic.
How's Vitek getting on in the goal?
Yeah that is a good point and one that I failed to consider.
Anyway, he appears to be a good player and I hope he has a great career, either with United or somewhere else!
I think he looks like a really good GK. The jury is obviously still out, but he's new and very young, so I'm impressed. Has all the tools to be a top keeper, but next season will tell us more.