Cole explains why Man Utd look destined to fail with Haaland transfer

Andy Cole says that Manchester United are likely to face disappointment in their pursuit of Erling Haaland this summer because their pulling power has diminished.

United are understood to be looking at adding a striker and a defender this summer. And Haaland has been mooted as the man Solskjaer wants after missing out on the striker in January 2020.

Solskjaer even flew out to see the forward after he blasted 29 goals in 27 games for RedBull Salzburg.

United though apparently baulked at the fee his agent Mino Raiola wanted. Instead the Norwegian secured a move to Borussia Dortmund for just £17.2m.

Furthermore, it’s claimed Ed Woodward was opposed to the insistence of the Haaland camp that a release clause be inserted into his Old Trafford contract.

Solskjaer though has publicly admitted he is still “following” the former Molde man. While last week he added: “I keep in touch with Erling – it is great to see him become the player he has become.

“He is a Dortmund player and we wish him well there. Let’s see what life will bring later on.”

Chelsea and Manchester City are also understood to be keen on the 20-year-old, while Real Madrid are another side who could look to prise the forward away from Germany.

 

Cavani in line for return at Palace

Cavani in line for return at Palace

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani is in contention to return from injury against Crystal Palace on Wednesday but Paul Pogba remains an absentee, says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

 

Former United striker Cole though thinks United face an uphill battle to sign Haaland.

No pulling power

“To get these guys to come, Haaland for instance, you’ve got to entice them with something,” Cole told the Daily Mirror.

“You’ve got to entice them with the possibility of winning silverware or being a year away from it. These guys are going to have other options, possibly Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Real Madrid, maybe Barcelona.

“If you’re playing and have the option of all these clubs, where would United really figure at this moment in time? Even though I love United, I don’t think the club now can ride on its name alone, especially when you’re trying to bring these players in.

“It’s not like when I signed for United. We have to be brutally honest, back then everybody wanted to go there. We’re talking 2021 now. Does everyone want to go to United now?

“I’m not quite sure everyone wants to now.”

READ MORE: Solskjaer rejects pressure talk; has good news regarding Cavani