Man Utd and Man City target Haaland says he doesn't score enough

James Shearman

• 8 Sept 2021 15:43 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United and Manchester City target Erling Haaland has put pressure on himself to score even more goals than he already does, despite reaching double figures for Norway this week.

Haaland scored a hat-trick against Gibraltar in a World Cup qualifying match on Tuesday, boosting his international record to 12 goals in 15 appearances.

However, the Borussia Dortmund striker is unimpressed with his tally and believes an average of more than a goal per game is attainable.

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"I do not score enough goals," Haaland told TV2 following Norway's 5-1 victory.

"I'm close to one goal [per game] on average. I personally think that I should have had more goals than matches."

Another objective of Haaland's is to reach Jorgen Juve's record of 33 goals for the national side.

He will also be looking to take Norway to their first World Cup since 1998 which, even though they currently sit first in Qualifying Group G, will be a huge challenge with an away fixture in Holland yet to come.

Haaland's future

The 21-year-old is already among the world's best, earning comparisons to the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski.

And Norway captain, Martin Odegaard, believes Haaland thoroughly deserves to be in those conversations.

"The numbers speak for themselves," the Arsenal playmaker told NRK. "There's not much more to say, really. It's absolutely insane. We are lucky to have him."

"I would say that he is right up there among the biggest. He does not stand back for anyone."

As a result, at club level, a move to one of Europe's top sides is on the cards sooner rather than later.

Chelsea were favourites to sign the Leeds-born forward last summer but both Dortmund and agent Mino Raiola priced the Champions League winners out of a move.

But, next summer, a much more enticing €75million release clause will be activated instead of the rumoured €150million fee Dortmund were previously looking for.

And while the Blues have now got their star striker in Romelu Lukaku, Man Utd and Man City are two of the top contenders to secure Haaland's signature.

United have announced the return of Cristiano Ronaldo but, at 36, Haaland could be his long-term replacement or formidable strike partner.

Whereas, City failed to land number one target Harry Kane this summer and could turn their attentions to the much younger Norwegian striker in the next summer window.