Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals he told Manchester United to sign Erling Haaland in 2018 for just £4m

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that in 2018 he told Manchester United to buy Erling Haaland for £4 million, but the club refused.

Solskjaer stated that he told United about Haaland about six months before taking charge of United in December 2018.

The pair worked together at Molde and Solskjaer was fully aware of Haaland’s huge potential, but the striker instead went to Red Bull Salzburg and then Borussia Dortmund before moving to Manchester City for £51.2 million last year.

Haaland, now 22 years old, is undoubtedly one of the stars of world football, but he could have ended up at United rather than their cross-town rivals Manchester City.

As reported by The sunSolskjaer said: “I called United about six months before I took over and told them I had this striker we had, but they weren’t listening.

Haaland played under Manchester United legend Solskjaer at Norwegian club Molde

“I asked four million pounds for Haaland, but they didn’t sign him.”

After initially being appointed caretaker manager, Solskjaer subsequently became United’s permanent manager before his departure in November 2021.

During his time at Molde, Haaland scored 20 goals in 50 games, and all those appearances came under Solskjaer. He joined the club from Bryne in 2017.

Haaland has had a phenomenal first season in English football, scoring 51 goals in 47 appearances in all competitions.

On joining City, Solskjaer sent a message to his compatriot to congratulate him on what would later become a historic move to the top flight of England.

“When I signed for City he congratulated me and wrote me ‘Good luck going to the wrong side of Manchester’,” Haaland told the club. Manchester evening news.

‘We talk sometimes. As you know, he had a huge impact on my career when I was with Molde. He’s a good guy.’

The Norwegian international was named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association and received 82 percent of the vote.

Haaland has had an incredible first season as a City player, scoring 51 goals so far

This week Haaland was named player of the year by the Football Writers’ Association

Haaland broke the record for most goals by a player in a single Premier League season with 35.

While Haaland is doing well at City, United continue to struggle up front and are looking for a new striker this summer.

Commenting on winning the FWA award, Haaland said: ‘It is an honor to win the Football Writers’ Award in my first season in English football.

“I try to be the best I can be every day, and to be recognized in this way means a lot to me.

“I’ve enjoyed my time at City so far – my teammates are incredible and they give me opportunities to score goals.

Haaland praised City manager Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff for the impact he has made

‘I want to thank them all, because without them I couldn’t have won this prize.’

He added: “I also owe so much to Pep and the team behind the team here at City.

“Everyone has been so good to me since I’ve been here and I’ve never worked with such top professionals.

Thank you to everyone who voted for me. It is an honor to have won this award.

“I’m now focused on making sure I finish the season as strong as possible and helping City win trophies.”