Ole Gunnar Solskjaer celebrates on the touchline (Getty Images)
Manchester United are the favourites to land Erling Haaland in January, according to reports from the Sun.
Haaland has been brilliant this season, scoring 28 goals in 24 appearances for Salzburg. His performances in the Champions League have been particularly eye-catching too, having scored against Liverpool at Anfield. The 19-year-old has also scored five hat-tricks already this season.
His contract at Salzburg has a release clause of just €20million, a ridiculously low fee for a player of his quality and potential. Haaland has a ruthless streak that is capable of turning him into one of the most lethal strikers in Europe in the years to come.
United, on the other hand, have relied too much on Marcus Rashford’s brilliance. Signing Haaland could reduce that dependence considerably. New signing Daniel James has also excelled so far, especially at supplying inviting crosses into the danger areas. But both Anthony Martial and Rashford have rarely displayed a desire to get into the six-yard box.
Haaland is the kind of player who would constantly provide a threat inside the box. He’s fast, constantly presses the opposition’s defence and is also really good in the air.
The 19-year-old used to play under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Molde and it was under the United boss that he made his debut. The United boss is visibly building his side around a young group of talented players, who have the potential to become elite stars.
The departures of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez have left United short upfront and with Martial already missing games due to injuries, Solskjaer would be wise to sign Haaland in January. Solskjaer is in the early stages of his rebuild but the addition of Haaland – alongside the likes of Dan James, Marcus Rashford, Martial and Mason Greenwood – could be the missing piece of the attacking jigsaw.
Manchester United have stuttered in the league so far this season but wins against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City did somewhat tip the scales in their favour. Ole has been under tremendous pressure he seems to be getting into his own.
The 4-0 win against Alkmaar highlighted the manager’s style of play. Also, unlike other European powerhouses, Solskjaer would be able to afford Haaland adequate playing time and that could prove to be a pivotal factor.
Meanwhile, Haaland would offer United something different as he is an old-fashioned target man who scores tap-ins – quite different from Rashford and Martial.
There’s little doubt that his qualities will help him adapt to the Premier League quickly. Thus, United must bag his services at all costs.