Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that Manchester United opted not to sign Manchester City striker, Erling Haaland on two occasions before he joined Man City.
Haaland was managed by Solskjaer when the pair were at Molde, before moving to Old Trafford as a manager.
During their time together at Molde, Solskjaer witnessed Haaland’s talent firsthand, and even informed United of his potential back in the summer of 2018.
The Manchester City star scored 20 goals in 50 appearances in all competitions in two seasons under Ole Gunnar.
Despite their connection sparking speculation of a move to Old Trafford, Haaland went on to join RB Salzburg and then Borussia Dortmund before eventually landing at Etihad, where he won the treble.
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Ole Gunnar Coaching Haaland
Speaking to Sky Bet, Solskjaer clarified that while he had desired to bring Haaland to United, the club ultimately made the decision against it.
“I had him [Erling Haaland] in Molde, for two seasons. The summer before I got here [Manchester United], I rang the club and said, ‘You’ve got to sign this boy – he’ll be top class,” he said.
“That was June/July 2018, and they said no. They had enough reports on players. Then I became the caretaker manager of United, and we had sold Haaland to RB Salzburg.”
Ole Gunnar left Molde in December 2018 to become United’s caretaker manager after Jose Mourinho’s sacking and Haaland followed him out of the door a month later, moving to RB Salzburg.
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Solskjaer said he urged Manchester United to sign Haaland after recognizing his potential, but his plea fell on deaf ears. Haaland had a €20 million (Ksh. 3.1 billion) release clauses in his contract with RB Salzburg.
Also read: Manchester City’s Erling Haaland Breaks 54-Year Record in FA Cup
Manchester United Turned a deaf ear on Signing Haaland
Ole Gunnar advised United to act quickly, knowing it was a bargain compared to his potential market value.
“I tell the club straight away to buy him while he has a release clause. We knew that then, and no one else would’ve paid the money – €20 million (Ksh. 3.1 billion), it would’ve been a bargain,” Ole Gunnar said.
“We [Molde] had sold Haaland to RB Salzburg. I tell the club [United] straight away to buy him while he has a release clause.”
The advice again went unheeded, with United feeling they had enough attacking options on their books.
“It was the club’s decision to not go for it then. We never made bids or went in for him, until after he started scoring for Salzburg.
Ole Gunnar said that by then, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus were there, everyone was there for Haaland.
His release clause then was still good –€60 m (Ksh. 9.3billion). The former Manchester United manager further praised Haaland’s striking skill at Manchester City.
“He’s got more than just being a great lad. He’s such a team player, and one-on-one with a keeper, he doesn’t think about his own stats. He passes if someone else is through and it’ll be a 100% goal. He’s a gem.”
