Solskjaer responds to Haaland transfer speculation

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 19 May 2021 11:06 BST
• 2 min read

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has provided a democratic answer when asked about speculation suggesting Man Utd are interested in signing Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.

Over the past 18 months, Haaland has developed into one of the most devastating centre-forwards in European football, and is currently being courted by the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Man City, and PSG as well as Man Utd.

Before his launch into superstardom with RB Salzburg and then Dortmund, he played under Solskjaer at Molde, and the Man Utd boss says they still keep in touch, and refused to rule out a move for his former player in the future.

“I think when you have had kids and players through as a coach you follow them,” Solskjaer said when asked about Haaland.

“I keep in touch with Erling – it is great to see him become the player he has become. He is a Dortmund player and we wish him well there. Let’s see what life will bring later on.

“One you know I can’t speak too much about Erling – it’s disrespectful to say more than I know him and speak to him.

“Who wasn’t interested in him a year ago? For me in our recruitment we have done well.

“The signings we have made since I came to the club have all contributed. We have to compliment what we already have with other players. I am happy with our model.”

Solskjaer did suggest a player like Haaland would fit in with his desire to work with hungry, young players who have the potential to be superstars.

“When you are at Man United you are down to work with fantastic talents – Erling we signed with Molde,” he said about potentially working with Haaland, Marcus Rashford, and Mason Greenwood.

“You try to help them. That’s our job as manager and coaches – to make players better.

“I feel privileged and lucky. Players like Dan [James] next to me, he is hungry and desperate to learn.”

Solskjaer was speaking ahead of Man Utd’s Europa League last 32 second leg clash against Real Sociedad on Thursday.

In the first leg, which his side won 4-0, two young wonderkids in Amad Diallo and Shola Shoretire made their debuts.