Anderlecht completed the signing of youngster Kristian Arnstad from Norwegian side Stabaek on Sunday and he signed a three-year deal with the Jupiler Pro League side, where he will be part of their reserve team.
Prior to his switch to Anderlecht, there were several other clubs interested in the 16-year-old and one of them was Manchester United.
Monday’s edition of Het Nieuwsblad explains the teenager had a trial with the Red Devils, while another Belgian outlet Sporza claims the midfielder enjoyed interest from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side and Sporting.
However, Arnstad turned down approaches from both clubs to join Anderlecht.
The information from Het Nieuwsblad and Sporza has also been relayed by Norway’s TV2 as they explain Arnstad was attracting interest from Manchester United and Sporting after trials with the two clubs.
Speaking to TV2, Arnstad explained his decision to join Anderlecht, despite interest from elsewhere.
“It is an honour for me to have the opportunity to play for Anderlecht. I feel the club is the right choice for me as Vincent Kompany gives younger players the opportunity, and their playing style [possession-based football] suits me well,” he said.
“Belgian football is also known for developing very good players. The club has a philosophy of giving young players opportunities in the first team when the time is right. I see this as a big advantage.”
Arnstad’s chances of featuring regularly for Anderlecht are higher than at Manchester United, but the English club may still keep an eye on him for the future.