In 2018, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer advised Manchester United to pᴜrchase Erling Haaland for £4 million, but the club declined.
Solskjaer indicated that he informed United about Haaland approximately six months prior to his appointment as United’s manager in December 2018.
Solskjaer was aware of Haaland’s immense potential from their time together at Molde, but the striker chose to sign with Red Bull Salzburg and then Borussia Dortmund prior to his £51.2 million move to Manchester City last year.
Haaland, who is now 22 years old, is unquestionably one of the best players in the world, but he could have played for Manchester United instead of their cross-town rivals, Manchester City.
According to The Sun, Solskjaer said, ‘About six months before I took over, I called United and told them I had a striker, but they didn’t heed.
In 2018, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer instructed Manchester United to acquire Erling Haaland for £4 million
Haaland played for Molde under the tutelage of Manchester United legend Solskjaer
I requested £4 million for Haaland, but he was not signed.
Prior to his departure in November 2021, Solskjaer served as United’s manager on a permanent basis after being appointed as interim manager.
Haaland scored 20 goals in 50 games during his tenure at Molde, all of which were played under Solskjaer. In 2017, he moved to the club from Bryne.
Haaland has had an outstanding debut season in English football, scoring 51 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions.
When Solskjaer joined City, he sent a message to his compatriot to congratulate him on his historic transition to the English Premier League.
Haaland told the Manchester Evening News, “When I signed with City, he congratulated me and wrote, “Good success on going to the wrong side of Manchester.”
‘We speak sometimes. As you are aware, he had a significant impact on my career at Molde. He is a nice person.
Haaland has tallied 51 goals in his first season as a City player, which has been extraordinary
This week, the Football Writers’ Association voted Haaland its player of the year
Haaland surpassed the Premier League record for most goals scored in a single season with 35.
While Haaland is flourishing at City, Manchester United continue to ꜱtгᴜgglе up front and will seek a new striker this summer.
Haaland stated, “It is an honor to win the Football Writers’ Association award in my first season in English football.”
This means a great deal to me because I strive every single day to be the best I can be, and to be recognized in this way means a great deal to me.
I’ve enjoyed my time at City thus far; my colleagues are incredible, and they give me opportunities to score goals.
Haaland lauded the impact of City manager Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff
Without their assistance, I would not have been able to win this award.
He added, “I also owe a great deal to Pep and the City staff behind the scenes.”
Since I joined, everyone has been so kind to me, and I’ve never worked with such accomplished professionals.
“I would like to thank everyone who voted for me. It is a tremendous honor to receive this award.
I am now committed to finishing the season as strongly as feasible and assisting City in winning trophies.