Ole Gunnar Solskjaer vented his frustration at Manchester United for not signing a teenage Erling Haaland for just £4million after he spotted the Norwegian star’s potential while managing Molde
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer offered Man Utd Erling Haaland for four million
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pushed Manchester United to sign Erling Haaland for just £4million but was dismissed by the club’s board.
Solskjaer returned to Norway to manage Molde in 2015 prior to his managerial spell at Old Trafford. There, the Red Devils legend came across a 16-year-old Haaland, who he instantly recognised as a future star and compared to at-the-time United striker Romelu Lukaku.
The former striker even went as far as trying to persuade his former club that signing the teenage Haaland was a must.
But United’s transfer policy at the time was set by ex-chief executive Ed Woodward and manager Jose Mourinho, who were not convinced of the young Norwegian’s potential – something that still causes Solskjaer a great deal of anguish.
As reported by The Athletic, Solskjaer said: “I got in contact with United because we had this talented striker who they should have had. But they didn’t listen, unfortunately.
Former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still fuming at the decision to not sign the striker
Ed Woodward was Manchester United chief executive at the time
“Four million, I asked for. But they never signed him. Four million! Don’t ask (where he is now). He’s too good…”
Haaland has since become one of the greatest strikers on the planet – for United’s bitter rivals Manchester City. His relentless goal-scoring since his £51.2million transfer last summer has already exceeded the lofty expectations placed on the shoulders of the 22-year-old.
Erling Haaland is a goal-machine for Man City
Earlier this month, he smashed the all-time Premier League goal record after netting his 35th of the season. The Norwegian powerhouse is now on 51 for the season across all competitions.
While United will be ruing the fact they let a generational talent slip through their grasps, Haaland will have no regrets over choosing to join Red Bull Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund as stepping stones to greatness.
He is now on course to win the Premier League in his first season while eyeing a historic treble under Pep Guardiola.