Erling Haaland has been a thorn in the side of Manchester United since joining rivals City, but he could have been lining up for the Red Devils instead of against them
Erling Haaland could have been playing for Manchester Unied (Image: Sky Sports)
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been on fire with his astonishing form in front of goal – and he previously revealed who at Manchester United is to blame for him not joining.
Around 18 months ago, he blessed the Premier League with his presence, signing for Pep Guardiola's City. And United supporters have already had more than enough of him scoring against them, as he found the net in the Red Devils' 3-1 defeat at the Etihad on Sunday.
Last season was incredible for the Norwegian as he played a key role in leading United's neighbouring team to an historical Treble, which proved particularly unpleasant for United, knowing he could have been scoring from them instead.
Haaland has netted six goals against United during four encounters and provided assists for three more. But it could have been very different.
The Mirror report how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the ex-manager of United, was amongst the first people to spot Haaland's spectacular abilities when he coached him in Molde. It made sense for Haaland to be in Old Trafford, but instead he moved to Borussia Dortmund.
Erling Haaland scored against Manchester United, again, on Sunday (Image: PA)
Gary Neville, Solskjaer's old team-mate, asked Haaland after he joined City about why he didn't join United where compatriot Solskjaer was in charge. Erling had a simple answer: "You have to ask him."
Solskjaer, last year, shared that he had recommended Haaland to United long before the young player was noticed by Europe's top clubs. He could have been signed for just £4million, but the club bosses didn't heed Solskjaer's advice.
The Norwegian said: "I called United about six months before I took over and told them that I'd got this striker that we had but they didn't listen. I asked for £4million for Haaland but they didn't sign him."
Haaland disclosed that Solskjaer had congratulated him on his move to Manchester City in summer 2022 and wished him well at his new team. The two have kept in touch since their time at Molde, where Haaland netted 20 goals in 50 matches during Solskjaer's reign.
Even though he's close with Solskjaer, he confessed that the chance to work with Pep Guardiola was a major reason behind his decision to join City.
Speaking at the time, Haaland said of his move: "Well, Pep didn't have to sell the club to me, that's for sure. He didn't have to sell anything. For starters, he's a special trainer and that was so important to me.
"We all know what he has done for his clubs, but also for players and for the game in general. That's something I want to be part of. I think we can have a lot of fun together."
Arsenal inching closer to £38m transfer for 'Mini Odegaard'Arsenal are reportedly inching closer to a £38 million move for Genk starlet Konstantinos Karetsas - who has been dubbed a "Mini Odegaard"According to reports in Greece, Arsenal are 'very close' to securing an agreement for attacking midfielder Karetsas, who can also play as a winger, to join them this summer for a fee worth up t...
The footie legend, 50, will become a 'Sir' in the King's Birthday Honours list next week.David Beckham is to finally be awarded a knighthood - with wife Victoria set to be known as Lady BeckhamThe ex-England and Man United star has longed for a knighthood for yearsDavid has struck up a firm friendship with King CharlesHis Spice Girl wife Victoria will be known as Lady Beckham.Ex-England and Man Un...
The Portuguese star turned down a £200million package from Al-Hilal to stay at Manchester United.Bruno Fernandes' wife Ana has helped convince him to stay at UnitedThe pair are childhood sweethearts and have been together since they were teenagersAna is a former futsal referee and had to pay for their early datesFernandes and Ana married in 2015 and have two childrenFernandes was a rare shini...
Jack Grealish is set to be left out of Manchester City's squad for the Club World Cup, a source has told ESPN, as he moves closer to a summer exit.Pep Guardiola suggested after the win over Fulham on the final day of the Premier League season that Grealish may have to leave the Etihad Stadium to find regular first-team football.A source has told ESPN that the England midfielder is being allowed to...
CRISTIANO RONALDO'S attitude towards fans can't be knocked - even when they accidentally knock him!The Manchester United legend won new admirers for the way he dealt with a supporter catching him on the shin with his wheelchair.Cristiano Ronaldo rubbed his leg after being bumped intoRonaldo appeared to have fun over the incidentViewers loved the amusing exchange as Ronaldo ended up with a smile al...
Bryan Mbeumo has reportedly decided his next club after Man Utd battled Arsenal and Newcastle for his signature.Bryan Mbeumo has chosen Man Utd.Bryan Mbeumo has decided to snub Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur in favour of a summer transfer to Manchester United, according to reports. The Red Devils appear in the driver's seat to seal their second marquee attacking signing of the sum...
Man Utd are reportedly in talks over a summer swoop for one of PSG's Champions League-winning players.Man Utd are reportedly in talks for Goncalo Ramos. Manchester United have held transfer talks with the representatives of Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos, according to reports. Ruben Amorim is searching for alternative options after losing out on his top target, Ipswich Town's Liam Delap...
MARCUS RASHFORD has been spotted soaking up the sun as he ponders a potentially career-defining summer.The out-of-favour Manchester United forward hit the beach with a mystery blonde in St Tropez over the weekend.Rashford, 27, joined a group of pals for a hard-earned post-season break.The England forward looked relaxed as the mercury climbed above 30C on the French Riviera.Rashford turned heads wi...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Liverpool & Wirtz now Ange Postecoglou to be sacked by Tottenham Hotspur Feeling old Premier League big team transfer Antony? THIS IS MENTAL The Manchester United pull…Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss, originaltrollfootball)...
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup debuts in the United States with a fresh format, gathering 32 elite clubs for the pinnacle of inter-club competition. This edition spotlights Group C, which brings together Bundesliga leaders FC Bayern Munich, South American powerhouses Boca Juniors, Primeira Liga giants SL Benfica, and Oceanian dark horses Auckland City FC. These teams, with their diverse and unique s...
- 1 Albanian Laura Woods wows fans in Champions League final outfit
- 2 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 3 Marcus Rashford 'grows close' to stunning semi-pro padel player
- 4 Why Premier League transfer may be off the cards for Victor Osimhen as Man Utd make 'timid' attempts to convince striker
- 5 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 6 FIFA confirms 34 team base camp training sites in the United States for 2025 Club World Cup, including nine in Florida and five in Calitornia
- 7 Man Utd continue to be linked with Emi Martinez
- 8 Daily Laugh - Mbeumo and his amazing talent
- 9 Liverpool's dream transfer window with six signings including £100m striker
- 10 Chukwueze reveals cause of AC Milan’s ‘disastrous’ season