Last time Sverre Nypan faced Manchester United he was strutting his stuff as football’s next big thing during a pre-season clash in 2024.
Nypan was only 17 at the time, but he was already a first team starter for his then club Rosenborg and delivered an assured performance at Old Trafford.
A little under two years and a £12.5million move to Manchester City later and Nypan was back in action against United. He lined up for the Blues Under-21s side in the Premier League 2 play-off semi-final, playing off Mahamadou Sangare in attacking midfield role.
Click here to find out the latest Manchester City news in our daily newsletter
It’s a big summer for Nypan, who was on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough in the first half of the season but returned to City in the winter window to continue his progress under the watchful eye of Pep Guardiola and the Academy staff.
The 19-year-old was with the first team at Wembley when the Blues won the Carabao Cup and was on the pitch and involved in the celebrations after the game. He is held in high regard by the club, who have faith in a talent that was wanted by many of Europe’s big-hitters before signing for City.
His pricetag reflects the ability that is clearly there and he showcased some of it during the defeat to United on Friday night at the Joie Stadium even if not everything went to plan.
With City a goal to the good early on, the Norwegian sidefooted wide of the target when clean through, while shortly after he didn’t quite get his pass away to Reigan Heskey when leading a counter-attack.
But he was calm and composed on the ball and adept at finding space in the final third. He fashioned a chance for himself late in the first half but screwed his shot wide before only a superb finger-tip save from United keeper William Murdock on the stroke of half-time kept him from getting on the scoresheet.
Nypan’s work-rate was noticeable too. The last action of the first 45 was the midfielder clearing his lines after tracking back to help thwart a United attack.
FA Cup final VIP tickets for Man City vs Chelsea

Seat Unique offers hospitality packages for Manchester City’s FA Cup final clash with Chelsea, including ‘premium’ seats at Wembley and complimentary food and drink.
The teenager continued to press well from the front as City chased a way back into the contest, having fallen 3-1 down by half-time and 4-1 shortly after. The Blues did find an immediate response from Sangare and set up a grandstand finish when Samba scored again with eight minutes to play but couldn’t force a leveller.
That ends the Under-21 campaign, and Nypan is likely to begin next season with City’s first team in Asia for pre-season. He’ll hope for another summer chance to showcase his skills.

You must be logged in to post a comment Login