Man Utd scout spotted checking on transfer target as first summer deal eyed

One of Manchester United's international scouts was spotted in the stands in Norway as he kept tabs on a young forward.

Tommy Moller Nielsen, the former Danish player and coach, was seen at the Norwegian second tier match between Sandefjord and Bodo/Glimt on Sunday evening, at the same time as United's senior stars were losing their Europa League semi-final against Sevilla in Lisbon.

Nielsen has had spells on the coaching staff at both Rangers and Aberdeen in Scotland, while he has also worked as a manager back home in Denmark.

He's worked as a scout for United overseas since 2016, with his knowledge of the Scandinavian market seen as a huge bonus for the Red Devils as they look to pick up transfer bargains.

That interest in Scandinavia has increased since the appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as manager, with a Eurosport Norge report - cited here by the Manchester Evening News - claiming that Nielsen was keeping tabs on the Norwegian youngster Jens Petter Hauge during the game.

Hauge, 20, has already amassed over 100 games for Bodo/Glimt, and is a Norway under-21 international.

Nielsen recently spoke about his role at the Red Devils to the Scandinavian outlet Ekstra Bladet.

"My job is to be updated on everything that happens in Scandinavia," he said.

"If a player shows up, Manchester United must be able to draw a report and see if it is a player we can use.

"It is a pleasure and a great inspiration to work in a club where you are constantly thinking about developing and getting better. Manchester United is a fantastic employer."