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Manchester United had a glorious opportunity to sign Erling Haaland for £4m but turned it down
Ole Gunnar Solkjaer, Former Manchester United Manager, has revealed that he recommended Erling Haaland to the Old Trafford club.
The Norweigian, who managed United between 2019 and 2021, said he was convinced that Haaland had the potential to thrive in the English Premier League.
However, they turned down the opportunity when he told United Chiefs to sign his compatriot for a paltry £4m.
Haaland would later move on to RB Salzburg, where his shooting prowess attracted some of Europe's elite clubs after scoring 29 times in 27 matches.
In the end, it was Signal Iduna Park clubside, Borrusia Dortmund, that secured the signature of the young sensation. He found the back of the net 86 times in 89 games for the German side.
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12:40 - 13.05.2023
Ex-Manchester United coach reveals failed attempt to sign Erling Haaland
Former Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed regrets about being unable to bring Erling Haaland to Old Trafford despite being in the know of the Norwegian's talent since he was a teenager
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A few years after playing in Germany and lighting up Europe, he would finally land in Manchester, howbeit, the blue side.
In his first season in England, Haaland has scored 35 goals already, surpassing the record set by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole.
Not only that, the 22-year-old has bagged in 51 goals in 45 games already this season, and remains on course to set new records.
Meanwhile, Machester United strikers have struggled in front of goals, and former boss Ole Gunnar Solkjaer revealed that the Red Devils had the chance to snap up Haaland for only £4m in 2018, but they failed to heed his advice.
Pulse Sports highlights 3 reasons why Manchester United might have refused to sign Haaland back then.
1. He was young and unproven
In 2017, while playing at Norwegian club, Molde, Haaland was only 17 years of age and his first season was not particularly spectacular. He could only muster four goals in 20 games.
During his second season, Haaland's goalscoring form improved tremendously, as he notched up 16 goals in 30 appearances.
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10:19 - 12.05.2023
Manchester City's Erling Haaland crowned 2023 FWA Footballer of the Year
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been named 2023 Football Writers' Association player of the year after an astronomical first season in England.
However, this was not enough to convince Manchester United to dole out £4m on him, as they believed he was still raw and unproven.
2. He played in Norway
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The Norwegian league is not considered by many as very competitive because it is not one of Europe’s top 5 leagues (England, Spain, France, Italy, Germany).
Manchester United might have considered that a little boy doing brilliantly in such a league might not have what it takes to thrive at the highest level, especially in a big club like the Red Devils.
Thus, Ole Gunnar Solkjaer’s recommendation six months before joining United might have been dismissed because they did not believe that Haaland would take the Premier League by storm as he is doing at Manchester City.
3. United had options in attack
During the 18/19 season, Manchester United boasted of great attacking players such as Anthony Martial, Alexis Sanchez, big Belgian Romelu Lukaku and youngster Marcus Rashford.
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12:26 - 10.05.2023
Erling Haaland's father evicted from VIP box for insulting fans after his son failed to score in Champions League clash
Alf-Inge Haaland was shown the way out of the VIP box after an altercation with fans during the game against Real Madrid
It was a very good attacking side that could score goals on any day, and there was probably no need to add then-teenager Erling Haaland to this list.
His arrival at Old Trafford might not have guaranteed him playing time, and this could have hampered his development.
On the balance of play, United might not have been the best destination for a fledgling Haaland, as the enormous demand could have put him under too much pressure.
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