Saturday, July 4, 2020

‘He’s the real deal’ – Paul Scholes says Manchester United should have signed Erling Haaland in January

Paul Scholes says Manchester United should have signed Erling Haaland in January
The Red Devils legend feels his old club missed out on a future superstar (Picture: Getty Images)

Paul Scholes believes Manchester United will rue not signing Erling Haaland in the January transfer window, though he would still pay ‘big, big money’ to bring in the Norwegian striker in the future.

United were big favourites to sign the forward from Red Bull Salzburg in January, particularly with compatriot Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having worked with Haaland at old club Molde.

But issues between his agent, Mino Raiola, and the United board, coupled with the demand for a release clause and assurances over playing time, saw Haaland opt to join Borussia Dortmund instead.

Dortmund's Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Schalke
Haaland opted to join Borussia Dortmund and impressed immediately (Picture: EPA)

Scholes considers it a big mistake not to have relented and brought in the 19-year-old striker – whatever the cost – and feels he has all the ingredients needed to be a future superstar.

Asked if United should have pushed harder for Haaland, Scholes told BBC 5 Live: ‘Yes. Do you know what, when all the talk was about, I hadn’t seen a lot of him.

‘But then once the German football came back and I watched him properly, I thought: “Why did Manchester United not just pay whatever anybody wanted for him?”

‘He looks that good, he’s still young, and he’s an out-and-out goalscorer. He’s quick as well, he’s got real pace.

‘He’s a big lad, he’s a presence, and he scores goals – and that’s priceless.

Salzburg striker Erling Braut Haaland with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Molde https://www.instagram.com/p/Ben4RNnljE-/
Solskjaer gave Haaland his debut at Norwegian club Molde (Picture: Instagram)

‘Looking back – and do you know what, he still might be available, who knows, in time – but United are going to have to pay big, big money for him. But so what? He looks the real deal.’

Haaland enjoyed a stunning start to his career with Dortmund, netting 13 goals since the turn of the year in just 15 Bundesliga appearances, and United will face plenty of competition should they renew their interest, with Juventus very keen on signing the forward.

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