According to the father of Erling Haaland, Manchester United did not show enough interest in signing the striker in January.
Haaland was linked with a move to Manchester United to team up with his former boss, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who wanted his man but seemed as if it was not a decision completely backed by Ed Woodward and the hierarchy at United.
REPORT: Manchester United didn’t want Erling Haaland enough
Haaland has been an instant success in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund. With 16 goals in his first 14 appearances, it is clear United have missed out on an impressive talent.
Solskjaer had previously worked with the 19-year-old at Molde in Norway. United seemed to be favourites to sign Haaland but, on January 1, Haaland officially moved to Dortmund for only £18 million.
It has been speculated as to why the Red Devils did not get the deal over the line. Some sources believe that United was not willing to allow Mino Raiola and Haaland to have a significant share of his future sales. This would have given them control if Haaland wanted to leave the club.
But Haaland’s father has come out and said that it was, in fact, their decision to not sign with United – it was because the club did not want him enough.
“You have to go to a club where the whole club wants you, not just the coach,” said Haaland’s father. “I think that’s the most important thing, in addition to how the club has been over the last five or ten years and what direction they’ve taken.”
It is clear that Solskjaer wanted to work with Haaland again. Manchester United, however, were not willing to play hardball with the striker and his agent, Raiola.
Nevertheless, United signed Odion Ighalo on loan in January and he seems to be a solid outfit. He has four goals in four starts for the Reds, who may be willing to sign the Nigerian on a full deal in the summer.
If Haaland continues his development he could become one of the best players in Europe. Manchester United will be questioning whether they should have backed Solskjaer more.
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