Solskjaer teases mega Man Utd transfer with telling Erling Haaland admission

Erling Haaland TEAMtalk

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that he is “following” his Norwegian compatriot and prolific goalscorer Erling Haaland.

The United manager played a huge part in the 20-year-old’s development, having coached the striker during his time as Molde manager in 2017.

Haaland was on United’s wanted list for 12 months after they failed to snare him 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.

That clause has since been inserted into his deal at Dortmund. This states he can now leave the Westfallonstadion in 2022 should any club match his £63m release fee.

And, according to Solskjaer, he is still tracking the striker, who has scored up 38 goals in just 40 appearances in Germany.

Solskjaer told Norwegian outlet VG: “It is clear that Erling will have a fantastic career. I’m following Erling. I’ve always said that.

“Was it 18 months we had together or something? Almost two years, maybe. A wonderful time.

 

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“He will definitely have a great career for both Norway and his club. He is doing incredibly well for Dortmund so we’ll see where he ends up.

“As a Norwegian and someone who has worked with him, it is of course fun that he does so well.

“We will do what we can to become a better team. He will do what he can to become a better player.

“Where does he end up? I do not want to say anything other than that. I wish him all the best. Whatever choice he makes is up to him.”


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Haaland race

According to Don Balon, Dortmund “assume” that Haaland will leave if they do not finish in the top four this season.

The German club are already struggling financially due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A failure to qualify for the Champions League would only further their problems.

As well as LaLiga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, Premier League trio United, Manchester City and Chelsea want him, per the source.

The Norway international’s €75m release clause is only valid in 2022. However, such has been his impact that suitors seem ready to pay Dortmund whatever price they put on the player.

READ MORE: Manchester United legend reveals his shock at rivals’ remarkable form