Haaland tipped for Liverpool move; Man Utd slammed over bungled transfer

Strike sensation Erling Braut Haaland has been urged to make a future move to Liverpool, while Man Utd have come in for stinging criticism over their inability to land the clinical forward when they had the chance in January.
The Norwegian hitman, 19, has experienced a truly remarkable campaign in 2019-20.
His 28 goals in just 22 appearances for Red Bull Salzburg prior to Christmas put the football world on notice.
A host of Europe’s heavy hitters scrambled to secure his signature in the winter window, with a move to Old Trafford appearing on to be on the cards at one stage.
But it was Borussia Dortmund who won the race, with their efforts immediately rewarded as Haaland continued his goalscoring exploits to the tune of a further 12 goals in 11 appearances in Germany.
Rumours of a short stay in the Bundesliga have already begun to swirl, however, and the player’s former coach at Norwegian side Bryne – Alf Ingve Berntsen – has urged Haaland to consider a switch to Merseyside in the future.
“I’m a fan of Liverpool, so of course I would like to see him play for them,” said Berntsen (via Goal.com).
“English football is by far the most popular in Norway.
“And most young Norwegian footballers dream of playing in the Premier League, as did Erling’s father (Alf Inge Haaland).
“I sincerely believe that he has the skills to play at such a club.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appeared to be in pole position to land Haaland in January, though the club eventually had to settle for the loan capture of Odion Ighalo after missing out on the Norwegian.
Ighalo has performed admirably in his brief Utd career so far with four goals to his name in eight appearances, but Berntsen has taken a shot at both the Red Devils’ and Real Madrid’s transfer strategies after the duo missed out on Haaland’s signature.
“I don’t know what the strategies of Real Madrid, Manchester United or the other big clubs are with regard to Erling,” he continued.
“But if I had been responsible for the six to eight best clubs in the world, I would have bought him immediately.
“He is already very good, he has shown a great personality, he scores a lot of goals whatever the level of the opponents, and he is only 19 years old.
“He will continue to develop and in two years he will be one of the best.”
Meanwhile, Gary Neville has named the current Man Utd player he believes has the best chance of winning the Ballon d’Or.
The Utd legend took part in a brief Twitter Q&A, and also revealed which Arsenal forward not named Thierry Henry gave him his toughest individual game.