Former defender urges Man Utd to make four signings other than Haaland

Erling Haaland Norway TV interview

Manchester United should avoid the signing of Erling Haaland and use the funds for four other transfers, according to Wes Brown.

United are long-term admirers of Haaland, who is one of the most in-demand players in the world. Current club Borussia Dortmund are hoping for a bidding war that could see his price rise above €150m. That would make things difficult for United.

It wouldn’t be the first time United were priced out of a move for a Dortmund player. They spent all last summer trying to sign Jadon Sancho but couldn’t meet the German giants’ nine-figure asking price.

This time, they could be more willing to spend big. Reports have suggested they could try to sell Paul Pogba and David De Gea to fund a bid.

However, the downside to that would be that it would leave them short in other areas. For example, they wouldn’t have enough funds left over to pursue the centre-back they want as well.

Selling De Gea could also leave them in need of a new goalkeeper, given that there are doubts about Dean Henderson’s future as well.

As such, they have now been advised that they would be better off making multiple, cheaper signings than one big one in Haaland.

That’s the opinion of their former defender Brown, who admits everyone in the world will want Haaland – but United need more signings to ensure “consistency”.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: I keep in touch with Erling Haaland

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: I keep in touch with Erling Haaland

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he keeps in touch with Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland but is happy with Manchester United's recruitment model.

Brown told the Daily Express: “When you watch Haaland the guy looks like a machine. He is quick and strong and what team would not want him,” he said.

“But what we have lacked on occasions is consistency and we need to get that into us. I would say he would be better making three signings or even better four.”

Brown urges Man Utd to focus on Europe

The 23-time former England international was also asked about United’s ambitions for the rest of the season.

With rivals Man City on course to win the Premier League and United already out of both domestic cups, the Europa League is their only hope of a trophy this season.

As such, Brown wants them to prioritise the European competition, before aiming higher in the Premier League next year.

He added: “I think next season is the one for Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer] with regard to the title but the Europa League is massive for us now.

“We want to win that trophy and he will want it for himself.


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“Given Ole’s record with semis this one is important that we get through. It is a trophy we can win.

“I believe they can finish second in the league despite Leicester being the form team. But winning this could keep the momentum going before he starts boosting up the squad again.”

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