‘I was scouted by Man Utd as a youngster – now I want to beat them in Europe’

On Nov 28, 2024

It wasn’t all too long ago that Jens Petter Hauge had the world at his feet.

Emerging from Norway’s frozen north, Hauge was the latest Norwegian talent to appear in something of a golden generation of talent. With his dazzling feet, the winger helped inspire Bodo/Glimt to their maiden Eliteserien success in 2020.

Hauge was the young prince of the north Glimt they took their exploits into Europe and to Milan.

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So enamoured were the Rossoneri with Hauge’s performance in a narrow 3-2 loss for the Norwegians they wasted little time in securing his signature. He would never kick on at Milan, and was moved onto Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022 – where he won the Europa League.

Hauge is now back in Norway on loan at Glimt after falling out of favour in the Bundesliga.

Jens Petter Hauge is already a Europa League winner
(Image: Getty Images)

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However, it could have been all so different if he had elected to move to Manchester United back in 2020. Talent-spotter Tommy Moller Nielsen saw the Bodo/Glimt starlet during a 2-1 win over Sandefjord.

Nielsen, a former coach at United, refused to confirm local reports he was scouting the 20-year-old in particular, but Hauge told Eurosport: “It’s quite clear. When a club like Manchester United comes on the field, it will always be interesting.

“If that’s right [United scout watching him], then it’s very positive. But it’s not something I can go around thinking about because then my performance will drop.

“I have to focus on delivering. I will of course be very flattered if this is true, but I am now concentrating on performing in Glimt.”

Hauge’s past becomes his future on Thursday evening as he travels to Old Trafford to square off with Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils.

Glimt are currently 12th in the Europa League table, with two wins, one draw and one loss, while United – albeit unbeaten – are 15th, with three draws to their name.